Winter 2016
Conservancy Rescues Little Gem in Ghost River Corridor
T
he Wolf River Conservancy’s newest land
that could be timbered for maximum profits – meant
acquisition is not as large as other recent
subdivision and subsequent development of the land
purchases, but its conservation value is
were imminent.
enormous. The remarkably beautiful, 28-acre parcel
“We’re not anti-development, we’re pro-conserva-
with two thousand feet of Wolf River frontage was
tion,” said Bob Wenner, the Conservancy’s Chief Finan-
part of the privately owned Ghost River Ranch along
cial Officer. “We knew it was the right thing to do.” The purchase
Photo by Ryan Hall
King Drive in Fayette County. Officers President, Chip Greer Vice-President, James McDonald III Secretary, Sarah Prosser Treasurer, Carl J. “Skeet” Haag Past President, Jeanne Arthur Directors Stewart Austin Adrian Blackney Jody Brown Susan Bryan Diane Callahan Robert Carson Richard Chotard Tyree Daniels Lela Gerald Kathryn Gilliland Ricky Heros Joe Jarratt Melvin Jones Kirkwood McClintock Bayard Morgan Jon Rich Tom Roehm David Scully Carol Seamons Brett Shanaman Russell Smith Josh White H. McCall Wilson, Jr. Office Location 2693 Union Avenue Extended Suite 205 Memphis, TN 38112 (901) 452-6500
The Conservancy purchased the
will not only preserve the river’s pristine water quality
property after
and scenic character
seeing an online
but also protect
ad listing the ranch
critical habitat for a
for sale.
myriad of plants and animals.
Skirting the
“Paddling the
Wolf’s north bank, the acreage will
Ghost River, you go
establish a northern
at least seven miles without seeing a
buffer along this section of the river. The land also offers
The Wolf River Conservancy recently purchased 28 acres of riverfront property from the Ghost River Ranch to save its pure water, tranquil woodlands, and natural beauty from deforestation and development.
road or obtrusive structure, then the
important connectivity with the adjoining 2,220-acre
landscape is abruptly altered by a couple of cabins
Ghost River State Natural Area, which includes 14 miles
on land adjacent to this property,” said Ryan Hall, the
of the Wolf River and land just south of the river.
Conservancy’s Land Protection Associate. “Any future
Conservancy leaders realized the property’s
development would further degrade the natural
commercial attributes – real estate in one of Tennessee’s
environment, plus reduce the buffer that wildlife has
fastest growing areas, public road access with overhead
along the Wolf River corridor.”
powerlines in place, plus mature hardwood forests
Right now, the property is a sanctuary for a unique Continued on page 3
$75,000 Challenge Grant Awarded by Hyde Family Foundations Conservancy lauches Sustaining the Wolf Campaign
K
eith Cole, Executive Director of the Wolf River Conservancy, announced a $75,000 challenge grant from the Hyde Family Foundations at the Conservancy’s Leadership Luncheon on September 22.
The grant allows the Conservancy to benefit twofold from certain gifts made to its “Sustaining the Wolf” Campaign, which has a goal of reaching $150,000 in unrestricted giving by December 31. Any new, additional, or increased gifts from individuals will be doubled – thanks to our friends at the Hyde Family Foundations! Continued on page 3
The Wolf River Conservancy is dedicated to the protection and enhancement of the Wolf River watershed as a sustainable natural resource.
from the Ex ecuti v e director and the president of the board
As we enter the Thanksgiving season, I find myself thinking how much we at the Wolf River Conservancy have to be thankful for this year. We will always be grateful to the Conservancy’s founders, who 31 years ago took the initiative to conserve and enhance the Wolf River and its watershed as a sustainable natural resource. They not only had the vision to embrace the Wolf River as the local treasure it is but also were the first to imagine building a greenway trail along the river as a way to permanently protect and celebrate it. We are also thankful for our donors, whose generosity sustains the Wolf River Conservancy and keeps its mission alive. Quite simply, the Conservancy could not operate without you. Your financial support has allowed us to positively impact the Memphis area on so many fronts. Thank you for making it possible to save the land, protect the water and wildlife, offer our various outreach programs, and improve our community’s overall quality of life. I especially want to thank the Hyde Family Foundations, who continue to be among our most important partners, encouraging our efforts and investing in our work. As I had the privilege of announcing at our September Leadership Luncheon, the Hyde Family Foundations has awarded the Conservancy a $75,000 challenge grant to match new and increased individual gifts to the Conservancy on a dollar for dollar basis through the end of 2016. Please read the cover story about the exciting Hyde Family Foundations challenge grant in this issue of Currents and consider making a gift to help us maximize this wonderful opportunity. We greatly appreciate all of our supporters, members, and friends. Some are listed in this newsletter as Contributaries, corporate benefactors, and event sponsors; others have been acknowledged in previous issues. And we are thankful for countless more who have supported our programs and fundraising events, whether picking up trash, planting trees, paddling, peddling, or purchasing tickets. (Speaking of tickets, there are still some available to join us at the Greenway Soirée, November 12, at Opera Memphis!) Finally, I am personally grateful to the Wolf River Conservancy’s board of directors, staff, and volunteers for their indefatigable dedication to preserving the Wonder of the Wolf.
The Wolf River Conservancy has not only changed the way I look at the Wolf River but also water. The river now has far more value than its scenic beauty and recreational fun, and I now better understand that my water comes from more than a faucet. In September, Belz Enterprises participated in the United Way Day of Caring assembling meals to be distributed by Stop Hunger Now, an international relief effort that helps feed the world’s nearly 800 million starving people. We filled 10,000 bags with dried vegetables, a cup of rice, a cup of soy flour, and vitamin-enriched seasoning, which could be mixed with boiling water to make a nutritious meal for six people. As we prepared the bags, I kept thinking, they must have a reliable source of safe water for this to do any good – something many developing and disaster-stricken countries do not have. Even areas of the United States are facing growing challenges with their water supplies. Living in Memphis, it’s easy to take our pure, abundant, affordable drinking water for granted. In fact, we are famous for having access to some of the best water in the world. The source for our drinking water is the Memphis Sand Aquifer, which is replenished, in part, by the Wolf River and its recharge areas. Recent news about the TVA power plant’s intent to drill five wells into the Memphis Sand Aquifer underscores the need for all of us to be informed and concerned about the appropriate protection of our water supply. It is also a reminder of how important the Wolf River Conservancy’s work protecting the Wolf River watershed is to the quality and quantity of our city’s drinking water. Our decision to purchase the 28-acre Ghost River Ranch property in Fayette County was directly related to our mission of protecting the Wolf River watershed as a sustainable natural resource. The Conservancy has protected over 15,000 acres since its founding in 1985 – a size greater than the city of Germantown. On a personal note, my father passed away in August. He was a great man – a true servant in so many ways at his church, in his profession, and to the Midsouth community in general. My work with the Wolf River Conservancy has given me much pleasure, and now it is also an opportunity to honor my father’s legacy. I want to thank everyone for the gifts made to the Conservancy in his memory and my mother for choosing the Conservancy as beneficiary of those gifts.
Keith Cole Executive Director
Chip Greer Board of Directors President
2
Conservancy Rescues Little Treasure, continued from page 1
including piebald madtom, a tiny catfish found in only
how your company can partner with u s i n 2017
Photo by Ryan Hall
and sensitive ecosystem,
a handful of watersheds in the United States, as well as fatmucket and southern rainbow, both freshwater mussels. All are on the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation rare species list. “Freshwater mussels are indicators of high water
In addition to supporting rare aquatic life in its riverbed, the property has lush terrain sustaining a diverse population of native plants and trees.
quality,” said Hall. “The fact that these mussels are in this area shows our previous efforts are paying
We would like to thank our Benefactors for their continued support and commitment to the work and mission of the Wolf River Conservancy. If you are interested in learning more about how you can partner with us, please contact the Development Department at 901-452-6500, ext. 109 or 110.
off and this habitat continues to sustain good water quality. These mussels are rare because water quality in streams statewide is not that great.” Traversing the property’s forests and wetlands, Hall found abundant diversity for such a small parcel. “Topographically, the gradient slopes more than what we typically see on Wolf River properties, with upland hardwoods such as white oak and flowering dogwoods transitioning to more wet sites containing water oak, red maple, green ash, then down even further into wetter soil with swamp chestnut oak and bald cypress. It has a couple of running sloughs that, whether fed by natural springs or creeks, are a really good resource for wildlife and aquifer recharge,” Hall noted. “When we presented the opportunity to protect this land to our board of directors, their response was, ‘If we don’t do this, then what are we doing.’ That was refreshing. “
Hyde Family Foundations, continued from page 1
your gift
“We are truly fortunate to have the leadership of the Hyde Family Foundations help the Conservancy elevate the level of individual giving in numbers of donors and increased financial support,” said Cole. “As we continue to make tremendous strides in protecting woods, water and wildlife, while completing the signature Wolf River Greenway project, the need to have adequate funding to
+ $
matching Hyde gift
deliver on our mission is essential.” “By supporting the ‘Sustaining the Wolf’ Campaign, the challenge grant underscores the importance of the overall mission of the Wolf River Conservancy to protect and preserve Officer. “Whether you participate in the Fund a Need portion of the Greenway Soirée’s live
Subscribe to eblasts and enews at www.wolfriver.org
auction, increase your 2016 giving from previous years, make an additional year-end gift, or
Follow us on
the Wonder of the Wolf,” added Barbara Kabakoff, the Conservancy’s Chief Development
encourage others to join in and become a WRC ‘Contributary’ – all unrestricted gifts will be matched dollar for dollar up to $75,000.” Please join us in “Sustaining the Wolf” by making a generous gift today. Visit
@WolfRConser v /wolfriver
wolfriver.org/give or use the envelope included with this issue of Currents. If you have any questions on how to maximize your contribution, please contact Barbara Kabakoff,
@wolfriverconser vancy
Barbara.Kabakoff@wolfriver.org, 901-452-6500, ext. 110. 3
Greenway Update:
Forging Ahead at Epping Way; Downtown and Kennedy Park Next
T
Photo by Ryan Hall
he Epping Way portion of the Wolf River Greenway is under construction and should open early next year. The 12-foot-wide, paved trail will stretch approximately one mile through verdant acreage in Raleigh, east of North Highland Street and south of James Road. Epping Way is considered one of the most unique and picturesque sections along what will ultimately be a 22-mile course following the meanders of the Wolf River from its mouth at the Captivating scenery, including a beautiful 20-acre lake, will make Raleigh’s Epping Way section of the Wolf River Greenway a favorite destination along the trail. Mississippi River to Germantown. A&B Construction Company, a village of Raleigh was famous for its natural woman-owned business with experience springs and beautiful, wooded setting on in park construction, was awarded the a high bluff of the Wolf River, attracting Epping Way contract after an open bid thousands of visitors seeking the healing procurement process this summer. In power and pleasure found in nature. addition to clearing the corridor and Although a mystery in the 1800s, modern building the trail, the project includes research has proven the importance of constructing a parking lot at the trailhead spending time in nature to basic wellon North Highland. being. Hikers and bikers on the Epping Way In 1948, long after the legendary trail will pass landscapes rarely seen within springs dried up, Berry Boswell Brooks, the city limits, including farm land still in a cotton merchant, world-renowned big production, wetlands, and beaver dams. game hunter, and naturalist, purchased The trail will wind through wooded a 202-acre estate in the area, which he areas, bridge a couple of streams, skirt and his wife named Epping Forest Manor. the shoreline of a 20-acre lake shaded Visitors from around the world marveled at by scattered old growth oaks, and offer the estate’s beautiful wooded rolling hills. views of uncommon bends in the urban Brooks eventually sold most of his Wolf River. land to developers, who named the main “The whole section has some street running through their project really great features,” said Ryan Hall, the Epping Way. After a country club built on Conservancy’s Land Protection Associate. part of the property closed and sat vacant “The lake and another little pond that’s for years, the land was given to Memphis been enhanced by beavers have been City Schools, who donated it to the Wolf popular fishing spots for decades for River Conservancy. The Conservancy’s 100 people who live around there. It’s also a acres at Epping Way is bounded on the wonderful place for watching sunsets.” east and south by the Wolf River. In addition to the site’s exceptional In addition to the Greenway, which is scenic qualities, the Epping Way property being built in partnership with the City of and surrounding area have a storied Memphis, the Conservancy envisions using history befitting the Greenway’s promise the site for educational programs. for bringing much-needed health “Epping has huge potential and recreation opportunities to North for teaching about ecosystems and Memphis. water quality,” said Cathy Justis, the One hundred fifty years ago, the
4
Conservancy’s Director of Education. “Birds, including migrating waterfowl, are numerous, as are frogs, reptiles, and many other wild creatures. It could be a great urban biological field station, perhaps with university-led research projects in which middle and high school science students could participate. It’s also a great location for teaching outdoor skills like paddling, camping, and fishing. “I hope that it remains a place where the surrounding community can find serenity and where wildlife has the habitat it needs,” added Justis. “Epping Way is a bit of wild beauty in the midst of the city.” Bob Wenner, the Conservancy’s Chief Financial Officer and Greenway Coordinator, noted, “Raleigh area doesn’t have a greenway now, so this will be a new experience for community residents.” The Conservancy is also moving forward with two more Greenway sections. The contract has been awarded on the Mud Island to North Second Street loop and construction work should begin on it by year-end. The Kennedy Park section is now undergoing the bid review process and contract will be awarded in November. With the current schedule, the entire Greenway should be finished by 2020.
WOLF RIVER GREENWAY PHASES OPENING IN 2017 Epping Way Confluence Park to Second Street Kennedy Park North Highland on-road track Walnut Grove to Wolf River McLean: Chelsea to Nedra
10th Annual Cycle the Greenway Breaks Fundraising Records
C
ycle the Greenway, presented by Orion Federal Credit Union, broke records in attendance and fundraising with over $40,000 raised for the Wolf River Conservancy. Cyclists rode along the Wolf River Greenway and through Germantown and Collierville in an effort to raise awareness and funds for the Wolf River Conservancy and the Wolf River Greenway Project. “As Memphis grows, quality open space and clean water are becoming really important, and one of the most exciting projects in our city is the Wolf River Greenway, said Phil Poux, a volunteer committee member and one of this year’s top fund-raisers. “We owe it not only to ourselves but the rest of the community to support the Conservancy through special fundraising events like Cycle the Greenway. It’s a great way to meet wonderful people, do a good thing, and have a whole lot of fun.” We would like to thank Orion Federal Credit Union, our presenting sponsor; FedEx, our platinum sponsor; Jim Keras Subaru, our gold sponsor; and all of our sponsors, cyclists, volunteers, and donors who contributed to making this year’s cycling event a record breaking one.
Cycle the Greenway participants line up for the morning start. Cyclists could choose from three different course routes, varying from 28 to 56 miles.
The Archer Malmo Peddlers, the largest corporate team at Cycle the Greenway, strikes a pose after a great morning ride.
Mark your calendars for next year’s ride – Saturday, June 3, 2017– and check our website in early 2017 for registration details!
5
The river runs through us
As a part of the United Way Day of Caring in September, International Paper sent a group of hardworking employees to help the Wolf River Conservancy clean and rejuvenate Kennedy Park. Volunteers carried heavy boards and railroad ties through a wetland area to build a boardwalk.
Freshwater mussels play a vital role in the health of a river. When WRC staff members Cathy Justis and Ryan Hall sampled aquatic wildlife on a newly protected property near Moscow with assistance from two knowledgeable volunteers – Naomi Van Tol and her husband, Larry Smith, the group identified over 20 aquatic species in just two hours.
The Wolf River Conservancy leads over 50 paddling trips a year exploring different sections of the Wolf River. Become a member of the Wolf River Conservancy and add an exciting paddling trip to your calendar in 2017!
FedEx Cares volunteers enhanced outdoor education areas at Collierville High School and Schilling Farms Middle School, where students can learn about the importance of water quality and preserving natural habitats. The work included building shade structures, removing invasive plant species, installing rain barrels, creating plant beds and bird nest boxes, as well as laying mulch.
6
St. George’s Independent School and Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation partnered with the Wolf River Conservancy to present Wolf River Watershed Expo and Family Day in April. The event provided an opportunity to learn about the Wolf River watershed and participate in fun activities for all ages.
Members and friends of the Conservancy enjoyed our annual Frog Chorus Walk along the Mineral Slough Boardwalk in the Ghost River State Natural Area. This unique event is held in late spring when the calls of courting green and bird-voiced treefrogs peak.
Fall colors, cooler temperatures, and splendid views of the Wolf River are a perfect reason to de-stress in nature on the Wolf River Greenway. While you are there, see how many different trees you can name along the Greenway Arboretum loop.
AutoZone, FedEx, and First Tennessee Bank teamed up for the inaugural 901 Interns In Action Day in July. Students working as interns at these companies participated in a variety of service projects citywide, including building birdhouses for the Wolf River Conservancy.
Volunteer River Guides and Greenway Ambassadors are the heart of our recreation and outreach programs. They help with our paddling trips, monitor the Wolf River and the Greenway, and assist with special events throughout the year. Thank you to all of our volunteers for devoting time, energy, and talents to protecting and showcasing the Wolf River.
Thank you to Girl Scout Troop 13141 for supporting the Wolf River Conservancy! The troop generously donated a portion of their spring cookie sales back to the Conservancy. They enjoyed a wonderful, guided hike through the Wolf River Greenway Arboretum, which identifies over 37 species of trees native to the Midsouth.
Photo by Lisa Buser
Students at Kingsbury Elementary proudly showed off their hard work after building a raised bed to attract butterflies this past spring. The project was funded by the FedEx Five Star Grant. The youngsters also planted native vines along the school fence.
7
J i m Ke ras Su bar u ’ s “S h ar e t he Love ” C ampai gn C hoose s Wolf R iv er C onservancy as its L ocal B eneficiary
We are very excited to announce that the Wolf River Conservancy will be the local charity recipient of the Share the Love Campaign, a national fundraiser for all Subaru dealerships each holiday season. Jim Keras Subaru was also a gold sponsor of this year’s Cycle the Greenway. Thank you to our friends at Jim Keras Subaru!
Spring 2017
Leadership luncheon
Shelby Farms
Volunteer sign up begins early 2017 www.wolfriver.org
Best Wishes to Kimberly Thomas In September, the Wolf River Conservancy said goodbye to Kimberly Thomas, our office manager since 2009. Friends of the Conservancy knew her as the pleasant voice on our phone and the perpetual smile at our events. She always ensured our members, volunteers, and donors knew they were appreciated. Kimberly accepted the proverbial “offer she could not refuse” with her family’s business, Memphis Contract Packaging. We will miss her greatly but wish her a very bright future! 8
Over 80 people attended the Wolf River Conservancy’s September Leadership Luncheon at Memphis Country Club, hosted by Kathy and Scott Ledbetter and Lisa and Jody Brown. The lunch honored Conservancy founders, current and past board members, and significant donors. Founding member Charles Askew contrasted the stigma of the “formerly stinky” Wolf River with today’s high esteem that makes local businesses want to put “Wolf” in their names. Above, Chuck Flink, of Alta Planning + Design, presented the latest details on Greenway progress. Below, Linda and Ward Archer Jr. chatted with Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell.
WRC Education Programs Connect Youth, Adults, and Families to Nature By Cathy Justis, Director of Education
T
his year the Wolf River Conservancy’s Education Outreach offered an array of activities designed to inspire good stewardship of water and land in the Wolf River watershed. Programs provided conservation and outdoor recreation experiences for all ages. Some recent highlights are recapped below. Our Summer Lecture Series, sponsored by Buckman and held at Memphis Botanic Garden, had record-breaking attendance. The series hosted three excellent speakers and a documentary film. Dr. Alan Houston discussed the perils of ticks; Chris Grow taught a very interested crowd about Midsouth bats and bat houses; and Cora Lund Preston traveled all the way from Minnesota with live monarch butterflies and caterpillars to talk about Participants in a monarch butterfly workshop, part of our Summer Lecture Series sponsored by Buckman, learned monarch conservation, how to monitor larval butterflies. providing both an allday citizen science workshop and an evening lecture. We ended the series in September with a screening of the brand new film Hometown Habitat, Stories of Bringing Nature Home by Catherine Zimmerman. With able assistance from our volunteer River Guides, we offered unforgettable experiences for children from urban schools with little access to nature. Fifth and sixth graders from Winridge Elementary School and Soulsville Charter School enjoyed IP EcoChallenge rafting trips sponsored by International Paper in May. Girls from Girls Inc. and Boy Scouts based at Springdale Elementary received basic paddling instruction in June and July. We continued our work adding native plants and outdoor learning areas to school campuses, which benefits both the Wolf River watershed and local students. Springdale Elementary Boy Scouts constructed a butterfly bed at their school, painting old tires which form the border with help from artist Kristi Duckworth and support from Buckman. Collierville High students planted native flowering vines to grow over a shade structure that was built for them by FedEx volunteers. Treadwell Middle School was awarded a City of Memphis Storm Water Grant to construct a rain garden on their campus as part of a watershed conservation project with the Conservancy.
Ten interns from Lausanne Collegiate School spent a week with us, learning about the Conservancy and the Wolf River, then working in high heat and humidity to remove invasive privet, build a boardwalk at Kennedy Park, and weed the Lucius Burch trailhead butterfly beds. Environmental science classes led by Springdale Elementary boys repurposed old tires for a Dr. Tara Massad of Rhodes College colorful border around their butterfly bed – another cut and pulled privet at Lovitt Woods, Buckman-funded project. returning two weeks later to compare the diversity of plants beneath a privet thicket to areas where privet had been removed. Many more groups partnered with the Conservancy in habitat restoration and trail improvement service projects on public lands in 2016, helping us preserve the Wonder of the Wolf.
Find All You Need To Know About The Wonderful Wolf River Our education portal is chock-full of fascinating facts about the Wolf River and its tremendous value as a natural resource. Newly enhanced with underwriting from Buckman, it’s an excellent resource for educators, students, and anyone interested in the environment or just fun on the river. Explore water science, indigenous plants and animals, maps, links to conservation partners, plus much more at www.wolfriver.org/education.
9
wrc contributaries 2016 HONORARIUMS AND MEMORIALS The following list represents gifts received April 1 through September 14, 2016 Honorariums Honor of Stewart Austin
Delta Asset Management, LLC
Memorials
Memory of Dolly Angel
Betty Cole Memory of Syble Brown
Betty Cole Memory of David Carsley
Honor of Jody Brown
Our Home and Garden Club
Betty Gallagher Mary Jane Palmer Bessie D. Rowe George and Sharon Smith Paul and Missi Smith Don and Cathy White
Honor of Esther Pearson
Memory of B.A. Cross
Delta Asset Management, LLC Honor of David Glover
Brig Klyce
Betty Cole
Honor of Carol Lee Royer
Anne and Joseph Fisher
Memory of Jerry Hatley
Betty Cole
Honor of Brett Shanaman
Barbara Kabakoff
Give to the
“Sustaining the Wolf� Campaign today.
All new and increased gifts made by December 31 will be
doubled.
10
Memory of Roy Ramsey Froom
Memory of Catherine Mathes
Memory of Bobby Summar
JoAnn and Jonathan Jones
Nancy Hill
Betty Cole
Memory of David Gilmore
Memory of Harold Perry
Memory of Ann Weatherford
Betty Cole
Betty Cole
Betty Cole
Memory of Harvey S. Greer, Sr.
Memory of John Seager
Memory of Benjamin Walker Weber
Chrissi Baldridge Linnea and Paul Bert Lauren and Justin Brody Keith and Katie Cole Ann and Gene Henson Barbara Kabakoff James L. Ledbetter Rene Pickler and Cassandra, Julie, Malissa, Nicole, Susie and families Tom Roehm Reynolds, Bone & Griesbeck PLC Private Wealth Management Ken and Debbie Weinberg Robert and Helen Williamson Chris Zaragosa
Bluff City Canoe Club Leanne Logan Memory of Mike Sheahan
Maryan and Rusty Mercer Memory of Geraldine Slavings
Betty Cole Memory of Vivian Smith
Betty Cole Memory of Bill Stubblefield
Margaret Atkinson Susan Sorrelle
Anonymous
CYPRESS SOCIETY MEMBERS
Anonymous Rick and Kassandra Bernskoetter Keith and Katie Cole Barbara Kabakoff Winston Wolfe
The Neshoba Circle is a special group of donors, committed to making a meaningful and manageable monthly gift to support the Wolf River Conservancy. Beginning at $10 per month, you can help preserve the Wonder of the Wolf today and for future generations. It’s convenient, easy, efficient, greatly appreciated, and helps keep our work going, each and every day. For more information about the Neshoba Circle or for any other questions or concerns, contact the Development Office at 901- 452-6500, ext.109 or 110.
NESHOBA CIRCLE MONTHLY MEMBERS
Adam Altman Nancy Boatwright Mr. and Mrs. Charles Cianciola Keith and Katie Cole Mr. and Mrs. Michael Dale Alisa and Bruce Firehock Chip and Diana Greer Kelsey Hamilton Michael and Angela Harden Michael Howard and Arleen Hill JJ James Barbara Kabakoff Patricia Kessler
Denny and Ruth Kopcial Dave and Ericia Marrone Danny and Paige McKee Amanda Mitchell Sri and Paula Naidu Steve Odell Ms. Leslie Portis Frank and Pat Reid Dr. and Mrs. Barry Shulkin Andrew Stubblefield Kimberly and Robert Thomas Margaret Ann Turley
Preserving the Wonder of the Wolf for future generations — The Cypress Society A bequest is one of the most meaningful legacies you can provide and will have a lasting impact on the Wolf River Conservancy’s future. You may make a bequest to the WRC by preparing a new will or adding a codicil to your present will. To include a bequest to the Wolf River Conservancy in your will, we suggest the following simple statement: “I give, devise, and bequeath to the Wolf River Conservancy in Memphis, Tennessee, ____% of remainder and residuary of my estate (or $ ____ if specific amount, or otherwise describe the gift) for the general purposes and uses of the Wolf River Conservancy at the discretion of the Board of Directors.” Please note that our incorporated name is the Wolf River Conservancy, Inc. and is tax exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Our federal ID number is 62-1245975. The Cypress Society honors a special group of individuals who have remembered the Wolf River Conservancy in their estate or financial plans. Membership is open to anyone who has made provisions for the Wolf River Conservancy through any one of a variety of estate planning options including bequests, charitable trusts, gifts of life insurance and other gift planning vehicles. This special community of supporters shares a strong common bond of generosity and leadership. Through their gifts, they demonstrate their commitment to preserve the Wonder of the Wolf for future generations.
Other Ways to Give • • • • • •
One-time Cash Contributions Securities Real Estate Charitable IRAs / Retirement Plans Monthly Contributions (Neshoba Circle) Company Matching Gifts
11
PO Box 11031 Memphis, TN 38111
Non-profit Organization U.S. Postage
PAID
Memphis, TN Permit No. 1919
WolfRiver.org (901) 452-6500
Thank you for helping us preserve the Wonder of the Wolf. Thank you for helping us preserve the Wonder of the Wolf.
“Misty Morning “ © Copyright Tom Fox Photography
On a misty morning between Bateman Bridge and Moscow, the Wolf River whispered farewell to fall.