Nature Trust of New Brunswick Highlights Conservation Success and the Power of Planned Giving

The Nature Trust of New Brunswick continues to play a vital role in protecting ecologically significant areas throughout the province, with a focus on land preservation, public education, and community engagement.

In a recent interview with Vicki Hogarth on CHCO-TV’s Southwest Magazine, Jon McNeill, the Trust’s Communications and Engagement Manager, discussed the organization’s mission and the growing importance of planned giving in supporting its work.

“Planned giving is about arranging to leave a gift to a charity like the Nature Trust—either in your will or through estate planning,” McNeill explained. “It allows people to create a lasting impact through a simple process.”

At the heart of the Nature Trust’s mission is the protection of natural spaces through land donations and purchases, many of which become designated nature preserves. “The main way we get land to turn into preserves is through donations,” said McNeill. “People may have had the land in their family for generations or acquired it during their lifetime, and they’ve formed a strong connection to it.”

One notable example is the Caughey-Taylor Nature Preserve in Bocabec, just outside St. Andrews—a property donated by Sheila Washburn and others. The preserve is home to a rich diversity of plant life, aquatic ecosystems, and wildlife. “It supports a wide variety of plant life, aquatic life, and mammals,” McNeill noted, emphasizing both its ecological importance and the personal stories often tied to these generous gifts.

In addition to conservation, the Nature Trust champions the broader benefits of spending time in natural spaces. “Spending time outside is really good for your health and your mental health,” McNeill said. “It’s about leaving a legacy that not only your family can enjoy, but that every future generation of New Brunswickers will benefit from.”

The organization depends on donor contributions and volunteer efforts to maintain its growing portfolio of protected lands. “We have a fantastic group of dedicated volunteers,” McNeill said, underscoring the essential role of citizen stewardship.

In 2024, the Trust celebrated a record-breaking year, acquiring 21 new properties for conservation. “In a good, average year, we might add two to four properties,” McNeill shared. “So getting to protect 21 was just phenomenal.” He credited the achievement to strong community support and successful fundraising. “We had to raise about $200,000… and we surpassed that goal by about $10,000.”

The Nature Trust continues to educate the public about the many ways to support its work, including planned giving through wills, insurance policies, and retirement funds. McNeill highlighted the practical advantages for donors. “There are different opportunities for you to get some tax benefits out of making a gift like that,” he said.