Fall 2016 A newsletter for our most special supporters

You Make Our Mission Possible—Thank you!Dear Friends,

It is hard to believe my tenure at Mass Audubon is coming to an end. What a privilege it has been to work for this incredible organization for over 30 years!

The last five years as President have been especially rewarding. In this role, I

have had the great opportunity of getting to know Mass Audubon’s "nearest and

dearest", and I have been truly inspired by you. Your generosity and commitment

to our mission helps provide the financial resources that make this organization

successful. And by sharing your advice, expertise, and enthusiasm, you make

Mass Audubon even stronger. Thank you!

We find ourselves in very challenging times, and many have asked me how Mass Audubon will respond to the global

pandemic and the resulting economic fallout. We have had to make very difficult and painful decisions – including

temporarily furloughing over 200 staff members. However, let me make it very clear – we will survive! And, I think we will be

stronger on the other side of this crisis, thanks to the hard work and innovative spirit of the staff, guidance from the Board of

Directors, and the support of loyal members like you.

While we diligently confront the current financial challenges brought on by our sites being closed and programs being

cancelled, we are still hard at work. Here are just a few examples:

♦Sanctuary staff are maintaining our beautiful properties, caring for crops and program animals, and planning exciting virtual programs to enjoy now and on-site programs for when we reopen.

♦ Our land protection staff are pursuing numerous conservation opportunities across the state, adding to our statewide network of wildlife sanctuaries.

♦ Educators are taking the opportunity to create new and innovative online learning tools and connecting with teachers and parents about how to integrate digital learning at all levels.

♦ Among many bird conservation initiatives, the Coastal Waterbird Program continues its critical work protecting endangered birds along miles of Massachusetts coastline.

♦ Our sanctuaries are holding virtual climate summits, connecting with partners, and leading

people to action.

Retiring Mass Audubon President, Gary Clayton

Spring 2020 A newsletter for our most special supporters

LeadingLeadingthethe WayWay

Continues on page 3.

Welcoming Our New President, David O’NeillWe’re delighted to share that Mass Audubon’s Board of Directors has unanimously and enthusiastically elected David O’Neill to be the 11th President of Mass Audubon.

David has dedicated his professional career to

conservation. For the last five years, he has served as the

Chief Conservation Officer and Senior Advisor to the CEO

of National Audubon Society (NAS). His powerful vision,

collaborative nature, and ability to raise critical funds

elevated the entire organization. He led the development

of NAS’s conservation strategies, unified the state offices

around a single vision, helped shape the organization’s

policy, advocacy, and science agendas, and launched

innovative programs to help fight the impacts of climate

change.

"David is a committed, proven leader who can hit the

ground running on day one, bringing a highly relational and

visionary approach," says Beth Kressley Goldstein, Mass

Audubon’s Board Chair. "I could not be more excited for

the future of Mass Audubon and look forward to this next

chapter in our long history in the Commonwealth."

David immediately connected with our desire to grow and

unify the organization, allowing us to focus on the most

pressing conservation issues of our time and broaden our

impact for people and nature. He is particularly inspired

by our desire to expand our work on climate change and to

tackle equity, diversity, and inclusion issues including our

reach to new audiences.

"I know that the readers of Leading the Way are among Mass Audubon’s strongest supporters and advocates," says David. "As I join this organization at an unprecedented moment in time, one important first step is meeting you and getting your insights and your perspective. I am so proud to be part of an institution with such an amazing reputation, that brings the joy of nature to people of all ages, and that receives such generous support from so many. I am eager to partner with you to build on this storied history."

New President, David O’Neill

Mass Audubon’s largest statewide fundraiser returns

May 15-16, and teams are looking for participants of all

ages and experience levels to join in on the fun.

In light of COVID-19, this will be the organization’s first

Bird-at-home-a-thon. Participants will bird from their

backyards or local parks and complete fun, nature-based

activities to earn points for their team. Besides the thrill of

birding, participants raise money for wildlife sanctuaries

and the education, conservation, and advocacy work done

in their communities and statewide.

If you can’t join a team, you can still support this important

fundraising effort by donating! This beloved event starts at

6:oopm on Friday, May 15, and ends at 6:00pm on Saturday,

May 16.

Visit massaudubon.org/birdathon to sign up, donate,

or learn more.

Bird-a-thon 2020 ReimaginedJoin us as hundreds of bird enthusiasts fundraise for Mass Audubon and work together to spot as

many species as possible in 24 hours!

Giving Tips for 2020The CARES Act provides unique gift opportunities to take advantage of this year. Check with your attorney or tax preparer to see how these opportunities can benefit you.

♦ For 2020 only, donors who itemize may

elect to apply a new 100% of Adjusted Gross

Income (AGI) limit to cash gifts to public

charities. The limit is reduced dollar for dollar

by other itemized charitable deductions. This

means a donor who deducts 30% of her AGI

in long term appreciated security or property

gifts and elects the 100% of AGI for qualified

cash contributions will be able to also deduct

up to 70% of her AGI for qualified cash gifts, a

total deduction of up to 100% of AGI.

♦ For 2020 only, donors who do not itemize

are eligible for a $300 ($600 for married

couples) charitable deduction. It is an

above-the-line adjustment to income that

will reduce the donor’s AGI and thereby

reduce taxable income. The deduction is

not available for Donor Advised Funds nor

for cash deductions carried forward from a

previous year.

♦ For 2020, most donors will not have a

Required Minimum Distribution (RMD)

from IRA’s, 401(k)s, 403(b)s, and most other

defined contribution plans. Donors can still

make Qualified Charitable Distributions from

RMD accounts beginning in the year they’re

70 1/2 even though RMD ages changed for

most to age 72.

Our Cotillion of Terns Grows & Gives for the FutureIn just the last few weeks, we welcomed 12 new Terns to the Tern Society, the special group of people who have included Mass Audubon in their legacy plans.

It is humbling and gratifying to have members planning for future

gifts while they continue critical membership and annual fund

support. Legacy or planned gifts power much of Mass Audubon’s

work today and tomorrow. Gifts from Terns vary in size and scope,

but all build on the donors’ interests and demonstrate a powerful

commitment to and confidence in Mass Audubon’s mission.

A glimpse into this generosity includes:

♦Five members updated their wills to include Mass Audubon as a beneficiary of their assets.

♦ One member, a 74-year-old, funded a $20,000 charitable gift

annuity that pays a fixed 5.6% of the contract value annually

($1,120) for the member’s lifetime. At passing, the contract value

remaining will be a gift for a Mass Audubon sanctuary.

♦ Three members designated Mass Audubon as the beneficiary of

their IRA accounts.

♦ One member established a $100,000 charitable trust that pays 5%

(initially $5,000) of the trust market value annually to a friend in

need. The balance of the trust at the friend’s death will be a gift for

Mass Audubon.

♦ Two couples named Mass Audubon the remainder beneficiary of

their Donor Advised Funds.

If you would like to review or plan a legacy gift, contact Jan Adams

at janadams@massaudubon.org or 781-259-2111. Jan enjoys hearing

from you and is here to share planned gift ideas and expertise. And,

if you are already a Tern, and have not told us, please do. We would

love to say thank you and welcome you to the Tern Society!

You Make Our Mission Possible, continued. ♦ And, our advocacy team is not missing a beat when it comes to supporting state environmental legislation while

partnering with others to halt the onslaught against environmental and public health standards at the federal level.

We will still have a lot of work to do! Please stay with us. Keep up your support and if possible increase your donations during

these unprecedented times. If I have learned anything in the last five years, it is that Mass Audubon can count on you!

After May 8, I will be officially retired from Mass Audubon, but I will still be a member, advocate, volunteer, and program

participant. I look forward to seeing you on our trails in the future!

With deepest gratitude,

Gary Clayton

Nature Book Nook: Mass Audubon Staff Favorites

Forwarding Service requeSted

208 South Great Road, Lincoln, MA 01773

There’s no better time than now to curl up with a good book. Check out these nature-related titles from our very own staff members. Whether you prefer getting lost in a novel, learning new facts with each page turn, or snuggling up with your kids to read them a story, there’s something here for everyone.

Leading the Way is a production of Mass Audubon’s

Development Department.

For more information, contact Emily Sabo at

esabo@massaudubon.org or 781-259-2136.

Photography P 1: Gary Clayton- Henrietta Yelle/Mass Audubon© P 2: David O’Neill; Gail Sartori©; Baltimore Oriole - Sandy Selesky©

Feathers: The Evolution of a Natural Miracle - Thor Hanson Hanson investigates bird feathers from every angle – from

bird biology to cultural impact. Suggested by Becky Cushing,

Sanctuary Director, Berkshires Wildlife Sanctuaries

A Year in the Maine Woods - Bernd Heinrich

A meditation on deeply observing your own patch. Perfect

for the present moment. Suggested by Jeff Collins, Director of

Conservation Science

The Snake and the Salamander: Reptiles and Amphibians from Maine to Virginia - Alvin R. Breisch Full-page illustrations and other text for every reptile

and amphibian in New England and slightly beyond.

Recommended for adults and budding herpetologists.

Suggested by Ron Wolanin, Regional Property Director

Home for a Bunny - Margaret Wise Brown A classic story about a bunny on its springtime journey

to find a home. Suggested by Pam Gilfillan, Development

Manager, Boston Nature Center

Finding Sanctuary: An Artist Explores the Nature of Mass Audubon - Barry Van Dusen A richly illustrated diary-style narrative, serving as a

showcase and celebration of Mass Audubon’s wildlife

sanctuaries across Massachusetts. Copies will be

available at the Audubon Shop once it reopens. Suggested

by Gary Clayton, President

Naturally Curious Day by Day: A Photographic Field Guide and Daily Visit to the Forests, Fields, and Wetlands of Eastern North America - Mary Holland Very informative day-by-day account of nature

observations throughout the year. Suggested by Wayne

Petersen, Director of Important Bird Areas

Where the Crawdads Sing - Delia Owens A story of a girl, who was abandoned by her family,

raising herself on the marsh of North Carolina.

Suggested by Stephanie Bergman, Development Manager,

Berkshire Wildlife Sanctuaries

Miss Rumphius - Barbara Cooney A story of an independent woman who vowed to make the

world a more beautiful place by planting lupines all over

Maine. Suggested by Jan Adams, Director of Planned Giving

The Overstory - Richard Powers Pulitzer Prize-winning book

that draws the reader into

seeing the living world

through the very different

perception of time that trees

and forests experience.

Suggested by Elissa Landre,

Sanctuary Director, Broadmoor

Wildlife Sanctuary