0299-GCG-FoothillsConservancy ESG24-FINALb (1) - Flipbook - Page 40
Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina
Leaving
Your Legacy
Chris and Stephan Amsbary: A Legacy Rooted in
North Carolina’s Natural Beauty
Chris and Stephan Amsbary, originally from
Illinois, fondly call themselves “昀氀atlanders.” They
昀椀rst encountered North Carolina’s mountains on
a trip south when they were young. “We both felt
an immediate connection to the mountains and
the beautiful forests, skies, shadows, fresh air, and
constantly changing light. After that trip, we decided
to move to North Carolina.”
Their love for these places inspired them to include
Foothills Conservancy in their will. “We want to leave
a legacy that protects the natural spaces that are
important to us for future generations to enjoy,” they
say. They felt a legacy gift was the best way to ensure
the Conservancy could continue its important work. “We
Though their careers kept them in urban areas, the
want to direct our remaining assets once we are gone
found a way to soothe our souls, enjoy time together,
valuable and rare land assets from development.”
Amsbarys escaped to nature whenever possible. “We
escape the daily stress of our jobs, and re-energize
ourselves,” they explain. As John Muir once said, “In
every walk with Nature, one receives far more than
he seeks.”
Now retired, they enjoy daily views of the Blue Ridge
and Black Mountain ranges and Linville Gorge from
their home in the foothills. “The constantly changing
view of shadows, ridgelines, and weather movement is
a constant reminder of how fortunate we are to live in
such a unique and magni昀椀cent setting.”
As they explored the region, they discovered Foothills
Conservancy of NC and the organization’s efforts
to protect the landscapes they love. “Places like
Linville Gorge, Lake James, Curtis Creek, Catawba
Falls, and Crabtree Falls are areas the Conservancy
fosters and protects,” they say. However, they’ve seen
how development threatens these natural spaces.
“Since moving to North Carolina, we’ve witnessed the
negative impact that development has on the land,
wildlife, and resources we love dearly.”
They cherish many memories tied to the land. “We have
fond memories of camping and hiking in Crabtree Falls
and along the Linville River. Now, we enjoy regular hikes
in the Blue Ridge Mountains, kayaking on Lake James,
and visits to Altapass Orchard and Wilson Creek.”
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to support the Conservancy’s mission to protect these
The couple also appreciates the Conservancy’s holistic
approach to land and waterway protection. “Foothills
Conservancy protects land in perpetuity by purchasing
land, creating trails, or transferring property to National
Forests. We also appreciate their efforts to protect
natural waterways and ecological diversity.”
For Chris and Stephan, it’s not just about preserving
beautiful places but ensuring that future generations
understand the value of these resources. “Foothills
Conservancy plays an important role in this
education,” they say.
Their message to others considering a legacy
gift is clear: “If you enjoy the natural environments,
quiet tranquility, and beauty of our forests, lakes,
rivers, and streams, leaving a legacy gift is the best
way to ensure these resources remain available to
future generations.”
With their gift, the Amsbarys 昀椀nd peace knowing
the places they love will remain protected. “It gives
us great peace and comfort to know that we leave
a legacy for future generations to enjoy the same
places and spaces that we did while we were here.”
