A multi-million-dollar bequest from Ira Yeager and George Hellyer closes a six-year fundraising campaign with the largest gift in the Land Trust’s history.
Celebrating the Community’s Unwavering Investment in Conservation for a climate-ready future.
July 17, 2024, Sonoma County, CA –
Sonoma Land Trust’s A Force for Nature campaign launched with an ambitious goal: to raise significant funds to advance conservation efforts for a climate-ready future. Six years later, through the power of collective action, they want to express their gratitude to everyone who contributed to this multimillion-dollar effort, including donations, grants, and planned gift intentions. Ending on a high note, the campaign’s finale was marked by the largest planned gift in the organization’s history: a generous bequest of more than $8 million from the estate of George Hellyer and Ira Yeager.
From protecting open landscapes to restoring vital ecosystems, this campaign and the thousands of individuals, foundations, and government entities that contributed underscore an unwavering belief: safeguarding nature is the key to a sustainable future.
“Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of our supporters, Sonoma Land Trust’s A Force for Nature fundraising campaign has been an unprecedented success, becoming the largest in our history. As a result, we have made significant strides in fulfilling our mission to protect the land and natural resources of Sonoma County. Our collective impact has been vast, including the conservation of 14 conservation projects totaling over 9,000 acres, bilingual environmental education programs, free guided outings, and ecological restoration programs that provide clean water and buffer our communities from the worst effects of climate change. And while this is a tremendous achievement, much work remains to be done. We are deeply grateful to everyone who donated, especially those who committed future investments through their planned giving that will support these programs into the future for everyone’s benefit. Your support is crucial as we continue to address the ongoing needs of our iconic landscapes, ecosystems, and wildlife,” said Eamon O’Byrne, executive director of Sonoma Land Trust.
A Force for Nature: A Campaign of Impact and Vision
A Force for Nature was Sonoma Land Trust’s first comprehensive campaign that aimed to significantly bolster Sonoma Land Trust’s efforts in land conservation and restoration that address climate and meet the needs of the diverse communities we serve throughout Sonoma County.
Over the course of the campaign, an impressive $70,132,713 in gifts and grants were raised and invested, with an additional $39,233,295 made through planned gift commitments for a total of $109,366,008 committed during the campaign. This extraordinary achievement is a substantial step towards Sonoma County’s ambitious goal of conserving 78,000 acres by 2030, an endeavor estimated to require $1 billion.
“During this campaign, thousands of people, foundations, nonprofits, and government partners came together, to protect our land and waterways. It’s impressive what’s possible when people work together on behalf of nature, the bedrock of a healthy community. We’re grateful for the people and entities who align their philanthropic values and plans with ours,” Shannon Nichols, director of philanthropy at Sonoma Land Trust.
Major Accomplishments of the Campaign
Of the approximately $70 million raised and spent during the campaign, the organization was able to facilitate numerous conservation and community initiatives, including:
- Permanently protected 8,726 acres across 14 properties, preserving biodiversity, open space, and critical wildlife habitats. See map here
- Transferred approximately 1,000 acres to park agencies for protection and public access, including McCormick Ranch and Fitzsimmons Ranch.
- Protected nearly 3 miles of Russian River frontage and streamside habitat, which provides critical carbon storage and recharges groundwater aquifers.
- Collaborated with partners to bring a first-of-its-kind Stage Zero creek restoration project in the Petaluma that will refill groundwater storage and provide space for rising sea levels to spread between Sears Point and San Pablo Bay by enhancing wetlands, and connecting them to the upland watersheds.
- Launched three equity-centered programs to better serve our communities that are bilingual and bicultural reaching all ages throughout the County.
- Assisted in the creation or expansion of three urban parks, including Mark West Area Community Park in Windsor, the Santa Rosa Southeast Greenway, and Cooper Creek in Santa Rosa, and the Petaluma River Park in downtown Petaluma.
- Implementing prescribed fire as a land management practice increasing forest health and fire resilience across several preserves and protected lands managed by state and regional parks.
- Influenced the support of $50M in State funds dedicated to the Tolay Creek Bridge expansion project. Once complete, the widened channel will reconnect tidal wetland ecosystems and the bay, allowing rising sea levels a place to move without flooding Hwy 37.
McCormick Ranch conserved forever
The final acquisition made during the last days of the campaign could not have come at a more perfect time, aligning with George and Ira’s tremendous gift that went into the ground as quickly as it went into the bank.
A Bay Area conservation priority for more than 20 years McCormick Ranch is a key link in the Bay Area Ridge Trail, an important piece of the wildlife corridor, and will be a new addition to the Hood Mountain Regional Park.
It has a rich history, too. It has been in the same family for 175 years and was primarily run by ranching women. Molly Hudson McCormick took over managing the ranch in 1879 after her husband and son had both died. Her son had just sold a herd of cattle and buried the proceeds – no one knew where. Her granddaughter Edna “Babe” McCormick took over the ranch and ran it as she had, even as Napa Valley transformed into the famed wine region it is today. She could be found corralling rattlesnakes, searching for buried treasure, and ranching with her husband and son until she lost them both in 1975. Babe continued running the ranch with her daughter Sandra, who was the 5th generation on the land. She married Jim Perry in 1986, and it is to honor her memory that he is now seeking to preserve it for future generations.
As the closing date came closer, the final push for funding the gap was filled by two large donations, one from Jeff and Laurie Ubben and the remainder from George and Ira’s estate.
Getting to know George and Ira: A Legacy of Generosity and Adventure
George Hellyer and Ira Yeager were a remarkable and adventurous couple and loyal supporters of Sonoma Land Trust for over four decades. George, a multifaceted individual who was a lawyer, author, farmer, and potter, and Ira, a highly successful artist with a gallery in Calistoga, shared a profound love for each other and their community. Their shared passions for travel, lifelong learning, the arts, and generosity left an indelible mark on all who knew them. Their legacy of philanthropy continues to inspire through this transformative gift. Though they were long-time supporters of the land trust, they gave their gifts quietly, and it wasn’t until George passed in June 2021 that the organization learned that they were named as the remainder beneficiary of their estate.
Ira was 83 when he passed away on January 5, 2022. A world-renowned artist, Ira started painting when he was eight years old. He later studied under the abstract expressionist Richard Diebenkorn while at the California College of Arts and Crafts in San Francisco and Elmer Bischoff at the San Francisco Art Institute. After leaving school, Ira traveled the world. He captured the people and places he encountered, focusing on the beauty of the landscapes, animals, and plants he saw. He is also known for his amazing Native American artwork created after travelling to the United States.
George was a World War II vet, a lawyer in San Francisco, an actor, a filmmaker, and a farmer. He would become a world traveler after leaving his law firm in 1970. He lived in Corfu, Greece, for ten years and would write a book about his experiences, “In Calypso’s Thrall: An American Decade in a Greek Village.” He eventually became an active ceramicist using raku firing methods and an oil painter. He was a trustee of the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, chairman of the Society for the Encouragement of Contemporary Art, president of The Society for Asian Art, and president of The San Francisco Senior Center. He died on June 17, 2021, at the age of 99.
Ira and George met at a party in San Francisco and eventually settled in Calistoga where George had purchased 50 acres of farmland. They also owned a home at Sea Ranch is Sonoma County.
After a decade in Corfu and traveling to iconic locations around the world, George and Ira found themselves drawn back to Northern California. When asked about the change, Ira once noted, “I always loved Northern California. Now I feel it’s my center”. They fell in love with the breathtaking landscapes and vibrant community in the Napa/Sonoma area and embraced it as their new home. George acquired Stonetree Vineyard, a picturesque property nestled atop the Mayacamas mountains between Calistoga and Santa Rosa, near the petrified forest.
“George and Ira were a devoted and legendary couple,” remarks Marta Naber, Executor of both George and Ira’s estate. “They truly loved their many friends, the community that surrounded them, and the natural beauty of the Napa/Sonoma region. This generous donation will touch many generations to come, and that is something they would both be proud of.”
Ira enthusiastically embarked on acquiring and designing multiple properties across Calistoga, Napa, and Sea Ranch, and decorating them with his beautiful collection of furniture, antiques, and rare objects he continued to gather throughout his life. Each property became a canvas for Ira’s artistic genius, featuring an enchanting studio and living spaces adorned with his whimsical touches. His creations ranged from follies to a rustic tearoom nestled in the woods, as well as his cherished “Swedish House” — a delightful homage to 18th-century Swedish design situated just across from George’s farm and its lovely views.
His coastal, antique-filled Sea Ranch residence became a favorite place for George and Ira to hold memorable dinner parties. These often-spontaneous gatherings pulled together eclectic groups that might include a few close friends, famous international dignitaries, celebrities, and the local village baker. They would treat their guests to beguiling stories of their adventures in Corfu, their favorite evenings at the San Francisco Opera, and their many adventures meeting celebrities and traveling the world. As a memorable close to the evening, Ira would often bring out his vast collection of decorative hats and thoughtfully match one for each guest. As one close friend noted, “The fun, frivolity, and photos that followed were truly legendary.”
The deep connection that George and Ira had to their land was evident in their annual support of the Sonoma Land Trust (SLT) over many years. Both George and Ira shared a profound desire to preserve the natural beauty and biodiversity of the Napa/Sonoma region, but the full extent of their commitment only became known after their passing. A transformative donation of $8,280,000 was received during the campaign from George and Ira’s planned gift to the Sonoma Land Trust. This remarkable gift marks the culmination of the Sonoma Land Trust’s six-year campaign, “A Force of Nature,” and will have lasting impacts on the landscapes and communities of Sonoma County.
A Community United for Conservation
The success of the A Force for Nature campaign is a testament to the widespread support for Sonoma Land Trust’s vision. The campaign was led by staff and dedicated volunteers, including three co-chair couples: Simon and Kimberly Blattner, Tim Portwood and Jim Lauber, and Harry and Dee Richardson. More than 5,664 individual supporters, 65 foundations, and 11 government funders participated in the campaign. Notably, the campaign’s largest cash pledge of $2 million came from an anonymous donor, while the largest realized planned gift of over $8 million came from the estate of George Hellyer and Ira Yeager.
Honoring a Commitment to the Future
Throughout the campaign, 21 individuals and couples made their planned gift commitments known, ensuring the long-term sustainability of Sonoma Land Trust’s work. These commitments, alongside the realized planned gifts from 40 donors, underscore the deep trust and dedication the community has in the organization’s mission today and in the future.
Celebrating Success and Looking Ahead
The conclusion of the A Force for Nature campaign marks a significant milestone for Sonoma Land Trust, propelling the organization closer to its ambitious conservation goals. To read stories about the people, projects, and partners who made this campaign possible, please visit sonomalandtrust.org/a-force-for-nature
