Caring for What Matters Most

New Vanguard Society Member Dedicates A Portion Of Her Estate To Land Protection And Stewardship

If you’ve ever spoken with Lucy Dueck, the latest member of the Conservancy’s Vanguard Society, chances are you felt a connection with her. And that’s no coincidence–she is ebullient and talkative, and has an incredible knack for bonding with people who cross her path.

She displays a genuine interest in learning through her relationships, her work, and anything she is passionate about–from researching the genetics of rare and endangered species to protecting and stewarding northern Michigan’s critical lands.

While speaking of her decision to entrust a portion of her estate to the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy, she said, “To me, the land is the most important thing…because we’re here for just a flash. ‘Love the land and pass it on’– (the Conservancy’s) philosophies jive with mine. It’s just the right thing to do for me.”

Through her gift of making connections and her innate thirst for knowledge, she has made a positive difference in many instances. Her story began in the suburbs of Toledo, Ohio, where she loved exploring the woods nearby every day since she didn’t have siblings to play with as an only child. She sometimes joined her father, an avid outdoorsman, on pheasant hunts although she never carried a gun, instead shooting nature photos elsewhere, a talent she continues to cultivate.

“It was just an excuse to enjoy the outdoors,” Lucy said, reflecting on her childhood. “It was really important for me to be out in the wild–to be ‘in the bush,’ as they’d say in Canada. I enjoyed that more than anything.”

Early in her adult life, she decided to forgo finishing her degree and worked as a medical secretary to support her husband through medical school. The pair raised two sons and after a brief stint in Grand Rapids, moved to a home near the edge of Evart, where Lucy learned about the North Woods and started an art league. After their divorce, she relocated to Cadillac and explored the Old Mission and Leelanau Peninsulas on the weekends.

In the years that followed, Lucy fell in love with and married a Canadian man whom she met during her travels, and he encouraged her to pursue an undergraduate degree at the University of Toronto. There, she studied biology and biophysical systems, and followed up her studies at the University of Guelph with a master’s degree in zoology and a specialty in fish genetics on rainbow trout in Lake Ontario. “I didn’t know what to study at first,” she said. “But my husband suggested I just study what I wanted to learn about–and I wanted to learn about the land and the things that live on it.”

She went on to accept positions with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department in largemouth bass genetics, then at the University of Georgia’s Savannah River Ecology Laboratory. While managing the latter’s DNA lab and training students, she did subsequently published research on two projects: the molecular relationships among members of the orchid genus Spiranthes (ladies’ tresses), found mainly across North America with many species of conservation concern, and the genetic diversity of the endangered red panda, both in American zoos and wild in Nepal.

“I felt that this contribution could actually provide useful guidance to help prevent their extinction,” in speaking of her red panda research. “In the last paper, I could pull together several aspects of my knowledge–in biogeography, ecology, and genetics–to explain the results, which was very fulfilling.”

Today, Dueck splits her time between her home in Texas where she does nature trail interpretation for a local arboretum, and a half-acre parcel near Torch Lake where she has lovingly planted primarily native trees, shrubs and flowers. Reflecting on her return North, she said, “Michigan is the best place in the world. Why was I thinking anywhere else? This is the place I love.”

One of the things that impressed her most about the area was that every few miles, she discovered a nature preserve. “This is the way it ought to be!” she thought, delighted by the region’s appreciation for conservation.

Dueck, now in her 70s, began investigating organizations that she’d like to support while she was preparing her will. After some research, she contacted the Conservancy and spoke with charitable giving specialist, Barb Heflin. “It was like finding the house by Torch Lake–it was perfect!” she said. “Everything about it. (The Conservancy) has so many properties and such foresight, and it appears to be so well run. Everyone seems so devoted and casual–and I love that. It’s all about doing the work.”

While considering her contribution, it was paramount to take care of her boys first. She is proud of her sons, Justin, who works as a tax assessor for his township plus participating in two other companies, and Jason, a broadly trained plant ecologist currently a professor at Washington and Jefferson College.

“I don’t know how much of what I have now I’m going to need. I want to make sure to take care of my family,” she explained.

“The legacy gift works well because I can set one pot aside for this sort of thing, and it will always be there.”

As a member of the Vanguard Society, Lucy is part of a collective that provides critical support for the Conservancy while balancing their giving with the future needs of their loved ones. The flexibility and versatility of these gifts allow supporters to make a meaningful difference in the future of land protection and stewardship without worrying about assets they may need during their lifetime.

Leaving a bequest provision in a will or a trust works particularly well for donors who would like to contribute substantially to the Conservancy’s work, but may not currently be in a position to do so.

“Our Vanguard Society members understand the importance of taking the long view and thinking about the future,” said Charitable Giving Specialist Barb Heflin. She explained that while this topic can be difficult to think about, it is helpful if donors let the Conservancy know of their plans in advance. “Then we are prepared and can properly recognize them for their thoughtful support.”

For Lucy, her contribution means she can care for what matters most. “I can pull together what I've learned is important to me into a tangible contribution that will actually help save it, which fulfills my sense of stewardship to nature after I have taken care of responsibility to my family,” she explained. “I hope more people will leave a lasting legacy because I believe it will come down to individuals and grassroot organizations to conserve our special places.”

If you’d like to learn more about the Conservancy’s legacy giving program, contact Barb Heflin at (231) 929.7911 or bheflin@gtrlc.org.