Donate to the End of Year Appeal!

November 11, 2008

Let me wish you and your family a blessed Thanksgiving season. Despite the uncertainty in our world this past year, we have much to give thanks for as we take the time to reflect on those things that truly enrich our lives.

Among the things for which I give special thanks is our natural environment. The special places that have taken up permanent residence in my memories have served to shape the person I am today and I am grateful to have those memories to share with my children and grandchildren.

One of my most beloved memories is from my childhood in Charleston County. As a young boy, I fell in love with South Carolina's beautiful Low Country. Though there was not a lot of open space in my little working class neighborhood, I found a special place to play. It was a moss-draped oak hammock where a 300 hundred year old oak tree had been blown over by a hurricane many years before. Its fork had become wed to another giant oak tree creating a ramp to the tall canopy above. I called this special place "The Old Oak." It was a place of natural beauty and solitude where the mysteries of the insect and animal world were vividly revealed to me during many lazy summer afternoons and dewy fall mornings. How I loved that place!

But now it's gone. Interstate 26 took my "Old Oak" over 40 years ago. And I am sorry that my sons never got to climb that magnificent old tree.

Looking back helps me to recognize that our land, water and wildlife are merely on loan to us. We are simply the custodians. If we don't take our responsibilities seriously, our special places will become just another road or roof top or parking lot, and there won't be any "Old Oaks" for us and future generations to enjoy. In this community, we are fortunate to have the Indian River Land Trust leading the way to preserve the special places of Indian River County. That is why I choose to contribute to this outstanding organization as a member, donor and volunteer.

I would like to ask you to do the same by considering an end of year gift to support the Indian River Land Trust. For every dollar you contribute, an anonymous contributor will match your gift up to the first $15,000 raised, allowing your contributions to make an even greater impact on the programs and efforts of this important community organization. Please join us in our effort to protect and conserve the special places of Indian River County. Working together, we can make a difference.

Sincerely,

William H. Helmly
President, Board of Directors