Habitat 54 Fall 2018

dzoo.org/support  you make a d i f ference With great excitement, the Detroit Zoological Society recently announced that the Fred A. and Barbara M. Erb Family Foundation has pledged $2 million for the future Great Lakes Nature Center. This unique attraction will focus on the fascinating wildlife and precious waterways of the Great Lakes region. It will be built in Macomb County, on a yet-to-be-named site. Several species of fish, including some that are now extinct in the Great Lakes, will be featured at the Nature Center. It will also be home to native amphibians, reptiles, small mammals and birds, as well as a butterfly garden. A wide array of exhibits and programs will highlight efforts aimed at protecting endangered species. In fact, the public will have opportunities to do their part for conservation through citizen science programs such as FrogWatch and Adopt-a-Beach. “The Detroit Zoological Society has an excellent track record of connecting people to our natural world. We believe this nature center will be a significant asset as we work to build water stewardship in the Great Lakes region,” says John M. Erb, president of the Fred A. and Barbara M. Erb Family Foundation. The DZS has a longstanding commitment to environmental sustainability, and the Great Lakes Nature Center will include many eco-friendly features. It will be built with sustainable materials and partially powered by hydro and solar energy. Permeable pavement, rain gardens, waste reduction and recycling are also planned. Construction on the facility, which will be more than 25,000 square feet, is expected to begin next year and to cost about $15 million. When it opens, the Great Lakes Nature Center is estimated to welcome 200,000 visitors annually. You can play an important role in ensuring a healthy future for the water and wildlife of the Great Lakes. To learn more or to make a philanthropic investment, visit dzoo.org/glnc. Funding Flows to Great Lakes Nature Center detroitzoo.org • HABITAT | 15 Like most Detroit Zoological Society Members and donors, you probably support our mission by swiping a credit card or writing a check. But if the new tax law has you thinking about wise ways to make a difference, you are not alone. Many long-available ways to give may be worth a second look today: • Giving appreciated investments, such as shares of stock. You may be able to take a charitable deduction for the full market value while avoiding capital gains tax. • Contributing through your Individual Retirement Account (IRA). If you are 70½ or older, you can donate up to $100,000 directly from your IRA to one or more charities. The gift(s) will count toward your required annual distribution and will not be taxed as income. • Establishing a charitable gift annuity. These blend a charitable contribution with an investment that will pay you (and possibly a loved one) income for life. • Giving through your will or trust. By providing for the Detroit Zoological Society in your estate plan, you can create your legacy while having an even greater impact on wildlife and the community. We encourage you to contact your professional advisor to discuss how these methods of giving suit your personal circumstances. Please contact April Ellison at aellison@dzs.org to learn more. Wise Ways to Make a Difference MAKE AN IMMEDIATE IMPACT You can support any project or program of the Detroit Zoological Society by donating online or using the attached envelope. Please write your wishes next to your gift amount or call us at (248) 336-5729. Thank you for your partnership in Celebrating and Saving Wildlife!