The William Adkins Legacy Society honors those who have chosen to support the Arboretum's endowment through a planned or deferred gift, such as a bequest, Charitable Gift Annuity, Charitable Lead Trust, Charitable Remainder Annuity Trust, or Charitable Remainder Unitrust.

The Society is named for the late William H. Adkins II, the Arboretum's namesake, who was born into a family of lawyers and judges with ties to Maryland's Eastern Shore. Adkins served as a judge on the Maryland Court of Appeals and was a leading civil rights advocate, as well as an environmentalist. His love of trees and nature led his friend and the Arboretum's benefactor, Leon Andrus, to name the Arboretum after him.

A bequest is a meaningful way to ensure that the Arboretum's many education programs will grow and thrive, and that the Arboretum remains a place where young and old can enjoy a tranquil walk in a natural Eastern Shore environment for generations to come.

There are a number of ways to invest in the future of Adkins Arboretum through the William Adkins Legacy Society:

* through a bequest in your will or trust
* designate the Arboretum as the beneficiary of an IRA or a 401K account
* designate the Arboretum as beneficiary of a life insurance policy
* a gift of real estate or other real assets
* through the arrangement of charitable trusts

Your tax advisor can review the tax advantages of each of these options. Consult with your attorney to prepare appropriate wording should you choose to make a bequest through your will.

For more information about ways to give to Adkins Arboretum, contact Kate Rattie, Director of Advancement & Planning, at krattie@adkinsarboretum.org or 410-634-2847, ext. 33.