Donor Story: Preserving One of Santa Barbara’s Treasures By: Jenny McClure, Donor Relations Manager
and why she and her husband, James Hodgson, have made a commitment to preserve it for future generations. As someone who shares their passion for preserving and showcasing California’s native plants, I understand how much they value the beauty and tranquility of the Garden. The Garden and the work we do along the central coast and beyond is an incredible community resource. With support from people like Sharyn and James, we’re able to provide a place of respite and inspiration for people of all ages — and for future generations, the stewards of our planet. Sharyn’s desire to ensure the Garden continues to foster a great appreciation for native plants and the natural world is priceless. We’re exceedingly grateful for Sharyn and James’s decision to join our Blaksley Bliss Society by including the Garden in their estate plan. Through their commitment, they are supporting the Garden beyond their lifetime and ensuring the mission continues. This form of legacy giving allows Sharyn, James, and others like them to make a powerful impact well into the future.
Sharyn Main and her husband, James Hodgson
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haryn Main’s love of native plants goes back as far as she can remember. Growing up in Santa Barbara County, she could often be found playing in neighborhood creeks, hiking local trails, and exploring the far reaches of the area. Through these adventures, she got to know and appreciate the region’s unique native plants and the diverse habitats they support. This love of the natural world continues to inspire her today. As a member of Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, Sharyn enjoys visiting throughout the year to cherish the many ways the Garden’s landscape changes over the seasons, from the obvious to the more subtle. She tells me fondly about the scent of sage (Salvia spp.) that welcomes her on every visit or the sight of blooming buckbrush (Ceanothus cuneatus) and what it’s like seeing the colorful spring meadow in all its glory. It’s during these times she says she is instantly transported to her early wilderness experiences.
Your legacy can be a part of the Garden’s story, a testament to your love for nature and your commitment to preserving it. Whatever form your gift takes, your commitment helps maintain the Garden’s beauty and supports our ongoing conservation, education, and horticulture programs. When you’re ready, I’m available to assist and guide you through the process of exploring our various, flexible giving options, such as trust planning, gifting stock, qualified charitable distributions (QCDs), or donoradvised funds (DAFs). Please feel free to contact me directly at jmcclure@ SBBotanicGarden.org. Together let’s continue to cultivate the Garden’s future, ensuring it remains a source of joy, inspiration, and learning for many generations to come. O
These moments are just one reason she’s grateful the Garden provides an accessible connection to nature Ironwood 39
