A Lifetime Commitment

Kathy Abbott and volunteers planting bulbs at
Moakley waterfront park in South Boston

When Kathy Abbott joined New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill as the CEO in 2013, she saw the incredible impact the Garden could have on the community, region and beyond. So much of the focus had been inward as the gardens were planned and built. Kathy's focus turned outward as a means of connecting people to nature, conservation, and education. She understood that botanic gardens, in general, could have wide spreading influence and the ability to address critical issues such as urban planning, climate change, horticultural advances, cultural, social, and educational opportunities for all ages.

As an avid gardener herself, Kathy developed a special affinity for the Garden Within Reach, "Dawn's" vegetable gardens and the woodland trails. She felt the vista and views of Central MA from the Belvedere lookout epitomized the growth from farmland to a botanic garden. But her most poignant memories are of the people she worked alongside of; board members, staff, volunteers, and members that solidified her lifetime commitment to New England Botanic Garden.

Kathy began her career as a park ranger on the Boston Harbor Islands. Today she is the first CEO of Boston Harbor Now, a nonprofit dedicated to creating a welcoming and resilient harbor that benefits everyone. Whether on land or sea, a desire to leave the world a better place has always informed Kathy's professional and personal decisions. In making her estate plans, Kathy said it was an easy decision to include New England Botanic Garden. She hopes to inspire others to think of this type of legacy gift as a long-term investment in creating a better world for the next generation.

To learn how to create your own legacy gift, contact Sally Stanton at [email protected].