The William Bartram Society

The Friends of Paynes Prairie, Inc. has established the William Bartram Society. Named after the noted Eighteenth Century naturalist who extensively described the natural history of Paynes Prairie in the 1780's, the William Bartram Society recognizes benefactors, during their lifetimes, for bequests or other substantial planned gifts to the Friends of Paynes Prairie Endowment Fund.

Fellows of the Society will be central to our efforts to enhance the programs and services of Paynes Prairie, and will help ensure that the Friends will be able to meet the needs of the Preserve into the future. The income of the Endowment Fund is used to support the full range of programs of the Preserve, and to meet financial needs which cannot otherwise be funded.

To join the William Bartram Society, simply notify the Friends of Paynes Prairie, Inc. in writing that you have included the Endowment Fund of the Friends as a beneficiary of any one of the following planned-giving instruments:

• A codicil to your Last Will and Testament
• Living Trust
• Retirement Plan Designation
• Charitable Gift Annuity
• Deferred Gift Annuity
• Charitable Remainder Trust
• Retained Life Estate

Bequests and related settlements must be for at least $3,000 at the time of initiation.

Your attorney may wish to contact us for more information. We can provide a model codicil to simplify the inclusion of the Friends of Paynes Prairie Endowment Fund in your will. For information call George Edwards, President, Friends of Paynes Prairie at 352.333.3184.

*Each Fellow of the Society will be given a handcrafted sterling silver pin in the shape of a Sandhill Crane.

Questions? We can help - contact us.