Making Plans for Continuing Work & Community at Wellfleet Bay

Peggy Sagan and her husband Mike Simons are active Wellfleet Bay volunteers who've done a lot of thinking about the future and how they could help the sanctuary continue its important work and give more people the experiences they've both enjoyed.

Mike says drawing up a will 20 years ago made them consider the things they value. Their relationship with the sanctuary started with regular walks on the trails. "We'd often see the same trail naturalist and as we got to know him, he made us aware of this meaningful community of volunteers at the sanctuary—a whole world!"

Over time, Mike and Peggy went on to become birders and diamondback terrapin volunteers. Peggy also works at the bird banding station and Mike is a trail naturalist.

Because they felt they'd gained so much from their experiences, they wanted to make sure others would have the same opportunities in the years ahead. They decided to name Mass Audubon as a beneficiary in their estate, becoming members of the Tern Society.

"As an individual, you can only accomplish so much," Peggy notes. "But in supporting Mass Audubon, we're helping an organization with a lot of firepower."

Gift planning is not just something limited to the wealthy and comes in many forms, some of which require no contributions during one's lifetime and may offer federal tax benefits.

Mike Simons notes that even smaller bequests have impact because they're pooled with others, which together can support environmental education and wildlife conservation programs. "When I had the chance to show newly hatched diamondback terrapins to a family, and I saw the kids' reactions, you realize how important it is to inspire young people so that this work will continue."

Mike adds, there's also the satisfaction of creating a legacy. "In 100 years, people may not remember me. But knowing we've done this planning helps make my life a life well lived."