Lancaster Conservancy’s donors provide the critical support that enables us to protect and restore our wild and beautiful landscape and provide opportunities to connect with nature. This work could not happen without the support of a generous community of conservationists, plant enthusiasts, birdwatchers, hikers, hunters, anglers, and nature lovers in general.
Luci Steele has been a Conservancy donor for 25 years and is a member of the Conservancy’s Tucquan Legacy Society. “Growing up on a dairy farm gave me a love of plants and nature. I have fond memories of playing in the streams bordering the farm. That love of nature lead to a safari in Africa, researching dusky dolphins with Earthwatch in New Zealand, and scuba diving in the Caribbean. Such places are exciting and renew the spirit. One can find that same joy and wonder in local places of natural beauty,” Luci said.
Luci said she has deep roots in Lancaster County – her Mennonite ancestors arrived in the county almost 300 years ago. She taught in Manheim Township for 32 years and in retirement has continued to be active in the community, tutoring refugees and volunteering for Hospice and Community Care and Penn State Master Gardeners.
Luci and her aunt at Shenks Ferry Wildflower Preserve (Photo courtesy of Luci Steele)
Lancaster Conservancy manages around 40 nature preserves in Lancaster County, protecting and taking care of forests, wetlands, meadows, and streams. Luci has especially fond memories of spending time at Shenks Ferry Wildflower Preserve.
“I took a beloved nature-loving aunt from Harrisburg to see the wildflowers. She was entranced and it made her recall the trout lilies on the farm when she was a child. When visitors from Ecuador had only one day to visit our area after attending a funeral, I took them to Shenks Ferry. I was so proud to show off this local treasure. It helped them as they mourned a favorite family member, a volunteer in my classroom,” Luci said.
“My 25 years of supporting the Lancaster Conservancy through my gifts and including them in my estate planning will be my legacy of preserving nature for future generations,” Luci said.
There are several ways donors can support Lancaster Conservancy, including planned giving. Development, pollution, and population growth are constantly putting our natural world at risk. By including Lancaster Conservancy in their estate plans, donors leave a lasting legacy that reflects their values and helps ensure the “forever” part of the Conservancy’s work, supporting our sustainability and long-term success as we save and care for natural lands in perpetuity.
Learn more about leaving a legacy gift to the Conservancy at lancasterconservancy.org/legacy-giving. We are incredibly grateful for Luci’s support and commitment to our natural world.
– Header photo of trout lily at Shenks Ferry by Michelle Johnsen –
