Donor Stories

Russ Levy

"I was like a kid in a candy store!" Russ Levy says of falling in love with hiking in Washington. Since moving here 20 years ago, he hasn't lost his wonder for the outdoors and has found many ways to give back to the trails he loves.

For Russ, caring for trails means thinking beyond his own lifetime — and planning to leave a legacy that includes caring for trails and wild spaces for generations. In addition to doing volunteer trail maintenance (more than 300 days to date!), he's also included Washington Trails Association in his will. He appreciates that through volunteering and planned giving, WTA gives him a venue to make a difference for years to come.

"It was an easy choice to include WTA in my legacy planning because it is such a part of my life," he says. "I feel like I'm leaving something that thousands will be able to enjoy while I'm alive and in the future."

At WTA we envision a future where everyone who seeks nature's splendor can quickly find themselves outdoors. A future where trails are so abundant and high quality that anyone can use them safely and enjoyably. A future where our shared wild spaces are cherished and protected by all.

In short, WTA sees a future where there are trails for everyone, forever.

Rebecca Collins

Rebecca Collins, longtime trail volunteer and Legacy Circle member, can frequently be found on work parties building and maintaining trails near her home on Whidbey Island. An accomplished artist, she finds inspiration in the outdoors and seeks to share that experience with others.

"It feels good to work with Washington Trails Association," she says. "I love all the 'thank yous' we get from passing hikers—and the chocolate of course! Above all, it's rewarding to know we're doing great work to bring all kinds of people together to protect public lands. It's so important to make sure everyone has the opportunity to explore the outdoors. I joined the Legacy Circle to make sure this work can continue."

Steve and Rhea Payne

A passion for the outdoors motivates WTA board member Steve Payne to devote time and talent to the trails he loves. Now he is making trails part of his legacy.

Steve spends as much time as possible exploring Washington’s wild places, leading groups on hiking trips or raising funds for trails through WTA’s Hike-a-Thon fundraiser. When the time came to make their estate plans, including WTA was a natural for Steve and Rhea. "I can think of no other organization that leverages individual contributions and volunteer energy to get so much accomplished on so many fronts," says Steve. "I'm extremely proud to be a member and serve on the board! We joined the Legacy Circle because it as a convenient opportunity to support WTA's long-term success. My dream is that we will someday clear the backlog of deferred maintenance projects in our National Parks and wilderness areas."

Brian and Debby Peterman

For WTA members Brian and Debby Peterman, trails have long been a big part of their lives. The two became avid hikers and backpackers soon after they were married. Now with 3 grandchildren, the entire Peterman family continues to explore trails and spend time outside together.

WTA members for more than 10 years, Brian and Debby long felt inspired to give back and joining the Legacy Circle was the next logical step. "Getting outdoors is crucial for everybody. It's not just about creating trails for ourselves. We want our grandkids to have something even better than what we grew up with."

Susan Saul

A fourth-generation descendant of Oregon Trail pioneers, Susan Saul inherited their thirst for adventure. Susan discovered WTA in the 1980s through Signpost magazine, and began volunteering with WTA in 1993: she served on the Board of Directors for 12 years, and began going on trail work parties. Since WTA needed ACLs, she wore an orange hat from the start, and graduated to a blue hat in 2011.

Of her participation in the Legacy Circle, Susan says, "As a life-long hiker, I have watched the fortunes of land management agencies wax and wane… WTA is like a steadying hand reminding land managers and elected officials of the importance of trails and hiking no matter how the political winds blow. I want my role in stewardship of trails and wild lands to continue long into the future and benefit future generations of hikers."

Judy Sterry

An outdoor educator, Judy spent her career leading groups of all ages on backcountry adventures, often spending more days per year under the stars than she did indoors.

After she retired, Judy became an enthusiastic trail volunteer and contributor to WTA. She experienced for herself the amount of hard work and time trail maintenance requires. Says Judy, "While I’ve loved the outdoors all my life, I've taken it for granted. Through WTA I hope others are encouraged to know, love, value and protect our trails and wilderness. Once it's gone, it will be almost impossible to recreate it."

Wendy Wheeler Jacobs

An avid trail runner, Wendy Wheeler Jacobs first signed up for a trail work party to help repair trails she loves. In 2009 Wendy joined the WTA Board of Directors where she had the opportunity to contribute her leadership skills to board and executive recruitment. "Seeing lost trails re-opened, seeing new trails opened — I feel so fortunate to be part of a strong organization with a mission that aligns with my passion," says Wendy. And while she no longer serves on the board, she remains a passionate supporter and Legacy Circle member. "Look at the track record of the organization and look at the trajectory — with the growth in population and more people than ever out on trail, the need isn’t going away," she says.