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 Planted in 1856 by Jacob and Minshall Painter, the giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum) that stands along Painter Road just south of the Arboretum entrance has become an enduring symbol of Tyler Arboretum. The most famous of the Painter trees, the Tyler sequoia is over 12 feet in circumference and close to 100 feet high — thought by many to be the largest in the eastern United States. While sequoias are known for their massive straight trunks, the uncharacteristic double trunk in the upper portion of Tyler’s sequoia developed after an unknown Christmas tree thief cut off its top in 1895. It has continued to thrive in spite of this injury and is the inspiration for Tyler’s logo, and is a symbol of the creativity, foresight, and reverence for nature that mark the history of the Arboretum.
Inspired by its namesake, Tyler Arboretum’s Sequoia Society honors the generosity and foresight of all those who have taken the special step of including Tyler in their long-term plans through a bequest intention, life-income gift, or other deferred giving arrangement. Together, these commitments ensure the permanency and vitality of our treasured preserve. If you have included Tyler in your long-term plans, please let us know. We want to welcome you into this special group of valued supporters. If you would like to learn more about ways to include Tyler in your plans, please contact us. Your inquiry will be treated with the utmost discretion.
How to Join
The following commitments qualify you for membership in the Sequoia Society:
- a bequest provision in your Will or revocable trust;
- a life-income gift that names Tyler Arboretum as a remainder beneficiary, such as a charitable remainder trust, a charitable gift annuity, or a pooled income fund gift;
- a charitable lead trust that provides income to Tyler for a donor’s lifetime or a term of years;
- a gift or assignment of qualified retirement plan assets, such as an IRA, 401(k) or 403(b);
- a gift of life insurance;
- other planned gifts.
In Appreciation
In appreciation of your Sequoia Society membership, Tyler will present a special gift to you (presently, a turned bowl by craftsman Tom Pleatman, using wood from a fallen Tyler tree). We also invite you to take a behind-the-scenes tour of Tyler with the Executive Director during a peak blooming (spring) or foliage (fall) season. In addition, we will (with your consent) acknowledge your thoughtfulness in our Tyler Topics newsletter, Annual Report, and website. You will also receive an exclusive invitation to an upcoming donors’ event.
If you have already included Tyler in a bequest or other planned gift, we hope you will let us know. Your willingness to be listed as a member of the Seqouia Society encourages others to follow your example. We respect those who wish to remain anonymous for recognition purposes, but we urge you to let us know of your plans on a confidential basis in any case. It helps us plan for the future. Of course, if you have not yet included Tyler in your plans and you would like to explore the best options for you and your family, please do not hesitate to contact us. We would be glad to assist you on a confidential basis and without any obligation.
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