Years of hard work, commitment and a deep shared love for Missouri’s natural resources, wildlife and environments are preserving a bountiful 78-acre parcel of land as a welcome and thriving haven for wildlife for generations to come. This has been the mission of an anonymous couple from Southeast Missouri.
This couple has entered into an agreement with the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation (MCHF) to establish a life estate on their property called Shalimar, derived from the Persian word meaning “an abode of love.” Shalimar is partly wooded, with a small pond, two creeks (one year-round and the other seasonal), a spring and rolling hills. To ensure Shalimar’s long-term protection and use for pollinator and other wildlife habitat research, the couple has also established a Shalimar Preserve fund.
Shalimar is where the couple has spent nearly thirty of their 53 years together walking, watching wildlife, gardening and planting pecans, chestnuts, black walnut and persimmon trees. They are committed to serve nature’s flora and fauna – and for people to enjoy this sanctuary as well. Throughout the years, wild turkeys, migratory birds, butterflies, bees, whitetail deer and more have made their way through this tranquil property.
As they considered their estate plans, the couple explored ways to support a cause they are passionate about while addressing their desire to ensure Shalimar’s long-term maintenance and perpetuity. They desire to make Shalimar accessible for research and education long after they have passed and have decided to initiate the preservation immediately.
In this instance, a life estate allows the couple to continue living in their home and using the land as they had. The couple also donated a larger portion of their property, which allows MCHF to begin working on habitat management. This will allow them to see the work MCHF, and its partners, are doing now instead of missing out on the progress after they have passed. The donation also provides the couple with a tax deduction, but the real win for the couple is that the land will be a legacy of conservation for future generations.
Their passion drives MCHF forward to preserve the land through a partnership with Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO). There is a great opportunity for pollinators, migratory bird research and more. The available water resources through the property could tie into future research on freshwater ecology at SEMO and more nationally in scope at the Johnny Morris Institute of Fisheries, Wetlands and Aquatic Systems.
“The Shalimar property donation, and accompanying endowment, is a wonderful example of how individuals can ensure the land they worked so hard to preserve is protected and utilized per their wishes,” said Tricia Burkhardt, MCHF Executive Director. “We are grateful for this contribution that aligns with our mission and their personal goals of taking care of nature.”
This couple joins other members of the MCHF Distinguished Conservation Legacy Society, recognizing legacy gifts that have been made to MCHF through a bequest, gift annuity or trust.
“Shalimar has been an important part of this couple’s life,” said Burkhardt. “With our recent accreditation by the Land Trust Alliance, we are honored to be the ones entrusted to ensure a lasting legacy.”
The forward-thinking and generous donation from this couple reminds us that the success of wildlife and land preservation is not only guided by the efforts of biologists and researchers, but a host of public and private entities and individuals coming together for the same cause.
Help us carry on this couple’s vision by contributing to the Shalimar Preserve, ensuring this land is forever preserved for conservation and education efforts.
Interested in Making Your Own Lasting Contribution to Conservation?
Whatever your stage in life, a legacy gift can benefit you and your loved ones while helping protect the outdoors and Missouri’s natural environments for generations to come. Some legacy gifts have an impact now, some after your lifetime and many offer tax savings. Explore your options below, talk with your financial advisor and give us a call. We will help preserve your legacy. It’s never too early to plan for the future!
Gifts for the Future
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Life Insurance – When you name MCHF as a beneficiary of your life insurance policy, you may be able to save on estate taxes.
- Wills or Trusts – Help protect the lands, waters and wildlife you love for the future by making a gift to MCHF in your estate plan.
- Retirement Plans – Naming MCHF as beneficiary of your IRA, 401K or other qualified plan could reduce or eliminate both income and estate taxes.
- Donor Advised Funds (DAF) – Manage your charitable giving through a convenient, flexible and cost-effective alternative to a private foundation.
Gifts of Assets
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Cash – Maximize your charitable deduction and provide funds for conservation immediately.
- Real estate – Donate residential, commercial or undeveloped real estate to help Missouri conservation and you could save on taxes and reduce ownership responsibilities.
- IRA’s – If you are 70 1/2 or older, you can use your required minimum distributions to make gifts from your IRA.
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- Stocks/Bonds – Donating stocks, bonds or mutual funds is quick and simple and may provide you with significant tax benefits.
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- Life estate – Give MCHF your land or house, continue to live there rent-free and receive immediate income tax deductions.
Donors who contribute to Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation by including us in their wills, trusts or other planned giving arrangements are members of the Distinguished Conservation Legacy Society. These extraordinary individuals ensure that Missouri’s natural resources, wildlife and environments endure forever.
Need to Know Info
Legal Name: Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation
Address: PO Box 366, Jefferson City, MO 65102
Employer Identification Number: 43-1797156
If you have questions or would like to learn more, please contact Tricia Burkhardt, tricia.burkhardt@mochf.org or 319.610.5215. We look forward to helping you customize and simplify your charitable giving!
