Alma Mater matters: An increasing number of forest landowners are donating timberland to their college alma maters, establishing lasting school ties

摘要

Donations to colleges and universities usually come in the form of cash or stock. But an increasing number of benefactors are turning to real estate, specifically timberland. As timberland passes from one generation to another, it typically fragmentsor disappears from family ownership, losing its ability to provide the same benefits. Often school-donated timberland is intended for the university's foundation to use for its highest value, perhaps conversion to cash. Other times the donor wants to leave a lasting legacy that will be a perpetual part of the school's research and outreach activities. The timberland, often donated to forestry schools and departments, can be guaranteed professional stewardship as a living classroom or research laboratory to train biology, forestry, and natural resources students.