Hewitt “Rusty” and Becky Clark find solace in the natural world. Whether they’re taking a scenic walk down a local greenway or sailing on the Gulf of Mexico, the Clarks enjoy feeling connected to nature. For Rusty, a love of the outdoors stems from his childhood in California and Wisconsin. For Becky, it was growing up in western North Carolina and having the beautiful Appalachian Mountains in her backyard to explore its rivers and streams, its peaks and valleys.

“As a child and teen in Wisconsin, we’d go to our family cottage almost every weekend,” Rusty says. “I’d often head out into the woods by myself. Seeing the changing wildlife and plant life each season was so thrilling.”

Exploring the varied environments of six continents (all seven for Rusty) has further solidified the Clarks’ passion for the world around them.

“We feel strongly about the preservation and restoration of the environment because the health and well-being of all species—not just humans—are interdependent and dependent upon the health of our environment,” says Rusty.

Ensuring all species have an opportunity to thrive—both now and in the future—is important to the Clarks. That’s why they’ve been giving to Natural Resources Defense Council since 1997.

“We’re proud that we’re able to contribute on both a monthly and legacy basis,” Becky says. “We’re confident that NRDC will continue efficiently and effectively advancing the health and future of all living things across this planet.”

The Clarks are committed to making a difference to the earth and see supporting NRDC as a way to take their efforts as individuals to a higher level.

“If you’re concerned about the future of our planet for your children, grandchildren, and their children, it’s important to reach out to organizations such as NRDC to enhance and facilitate their work,” Rusty says. “Only by joining together can we address the issues impacting current and future generations.”

Create Your Legacy at NRDC

You can join the Clarks and help make a difference to the future of our planet by establishing a legacy gift in your will or other estate plan. Get more details by contacting Michelle Mulia-Howell at 212.727.4421 and giftplanning@nrdc.org.