A nest egg for the future
If a sense of wonder for the natural world is the foundation of our mission, then being community funded is our superpower.
Each year, about half the organization’s operating budget comes from donations and grants made by today’s generous members and supporters.
The remaining half is funded by the Audubon Canyon Ranch endowment. This nest egg was initiated decades ago by forward-thinking founders to help fund programs and preserves for years to come.
Donors who pledge gifts to the endowment from their estates, in any amount, become members of our Zumwalt Legacy Circle. Named in honor of Clerin “Zumie” Zumwalt, Audubon Canyon Ranch’s first naturalist, the fund is managed for longevity by our board of directors.
A life of nature and nurture
Zumie was a champion mountain climber and a former rangeland manager in the U.S. Forest Service. He joined Audubon Canyon Ranch in 1967 to interpret the natural world for what surged to more than 1,000 visitors per weekend.
On staff until 1972, Zumie ushered in the first class of Martin Griffin Preserve docents in 1970. In his retirement, he served on our board and committees, taught classes, and hiked the trails until his death in 1996 at age 85.
Every year, we honor Zumie’s commitment and our generous Legacy Circle donors with a special-access event. At this past spring’s luncheon, overlooking Tomales Bay from our Cypress Grove Research Center’s Conly Center, Director of Conservation Nils Warnock expressed his deep thanks and shared the impact of their gifts.
Learn more
Learn more about estate planning and join our generous Zumwalt Circle donors by visiting the Legacy Giving page or contacting Director of Philanthropy Jennifer Newman at 415-868-9244 Ext. 119 or [email protected]rg.
