Why “White Cedar”?
The Atlantic white cedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides) is a tree with strong local significance. Native to the Atlantic coast, this long-lived species is a key food source for deer, songbirds, and the threatened Hessel’s hairstreak butterfly. Its wood is of great value, straight-growing and rot-resistant, preferred by the region’s Native Americans for their wetus and longhouses, and for building canoes. It was one of the first exports from the colonies. Coastal development has made white cedars more rare, though they can be found in several kettle holes and wetlands in Orleans. The big old ones have a venerable dignity.
Make Your Generosity Evergreen
OCT's White Cedar Society recognizes those who have included OCT in their estate plans. These bequests are deeply meaningful and have been immensely important throughout the Trust's history. Such gifts signify confidence and a sense of shared mission. They ensure that OCT can preserve more land, restore and maintain our properties and trails, and fund our educational programs into the future.
Knowing in advance that you plan to give in your will helps OCT plan proactively to make the most of your gift. Just as important, we want to understand your intentions and recognize your commitment, so others can be inspired by your generosity. And, of course, we want to thank you!
Membership in the White Cedar Society allows OCT to keep in touch with and honor those who may wish to show their love of the land with a bequest. You may choose to be publicly acknowledged in our newsletter, or remain anonymous.
Joining the White Cedar Society
Joining is as simple as advising us that Orleans Conservation Trust is a beneficiary of your estate. You need not provide specifics of a bequest, and there is no minimum.
Charitable gifts made as bequests can benefit you and your family through tax deductions. You can designate OCT as the beneficiary of a retirement or life insurance plan, or your attorney can prepare a simple provision for a gift through your will or trust. We gratefully welcome gifts in these or other forms:
- Money through a will or trust (percentage or a specific amount)
- Real estate
- Stocks
- Retirement plans
- Life insurance plans
You may direct your gift to a specific purpose, such as OCT's endowment or future land acquisitions—or let the Trust decide where it is most needed. If your estate planning is more complex, or if you'd simply like to discuss options, please call Executive Director Stephen O'Grady at 508-255-0183.
Leave Your Forever Mark
Orleans Conservation Trust is a tax-exempt 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization. Tax ID: 23-7418072.
An attorney, financial advisor, or insurance agent can be a valuable consultant in making specific estate plans. You may find the following language helpful:
I give [specific amount of money, asset, piece of land, or percentage or residuary share of my estate] to Orleans Conservation Trust (federal tax ID number 23-7418072), under a Declaration of Trust dated April 18th, 1970 and recorded with the Barnstable County Registry of Deeds in Book 1470, Page 432, with a mailing address of 203 South Orleans Road, Orleans, Massachusetts 02653.
In your will or living trust, please use our full legal Name: Orleans Conservation Trust.
Additional information for beneficiary forms:
203 South Orleans Road
Orleans, MA 02653
508-255-0183
The Tovrov Family and OCT
OCT Founder Orin Tovrov, pictured, recruited many friends and neighbors for conservation, and he and his family left Orleans a priceless legacy of preserved land in Mill Pond Valley.
"I think Father's interest in conservation came from seeing some great areas, and great views, fall to development. . . .The fact that the Trust is strong and healthy today is a good indication of the importance of saving what so many people came to Orleans for—a place that still has room for undisturbed nature." – John Tovrov