Kate McCurdy, 37, was an “indoor introvert and scared of nature” until her college’s freshman year backpacking trip.

Kate soon discovered spending time outside helped manage her stress, especially when she went to law school. After returning to Rochester to start her own practice, Kate began attending Land Trust events and volunteering.

“Visiting a nature preserve or protected farm feels so grounding and centering to me. I love how the land connects and unites us all, even though we each might care most about birds or trees or farming,” she shares. A Land Trust member since 2017, Kate especially enjoys kayaking and birding along Lake Ontario.

Recently Kate started making gifts of stock to the Land Trust because it’s “the most efficient and tax-effective way to significantly help the causes I care about.”

“I’ve had stocks that have appreciated a lot over time, so I can make a donation from that growth without having to pay any capital gains,” she adds. “Giving with stocks is money I don’t miss because it was never in my bank account.”

Making a gift of stock can be as simple as calling your financial planner. Delivery instruction can be found here.

“Giving with stocks is money I don’t miss because it was never in my bank account.” –Kate McCurdy

More Ways to Give

Become a Sustaining Monthly Donor

Setting up a monthly gift provides critical financial stability to the Land Trust and ensures we can continue the everyday work of maintaining trails and organizing outdoor activities.

Use Your Employer Match

Check to see if your company offers to match charitable donations and/or make a financial gift if you report time volunteering with the Land Trust.

Give From Your Retirement

If you are 70.5 years or older, making a gift from your traditional IRA account can potentially reduce taxable income while supporting conservation.