Margaret River retired doctor and environmental champion Ann Ward has chosen to leave a gift in her Will to Nature Conservation Margaret River Region, ensuring her connection to nature and commitment to caring for country continues through her bequest.
Ann said her decision reflects a lifelong belief in the interconnectedness of all living systems and the importance of protecting them for generations to come.
“There is nothing that is clearer to me than the knowledge that we are all interconnected — the trees, wildlife, plants, microbes, air, water — what happens to one happens to us all,” Ann said. “Our existence relies on coexistence — respect and care for other beings.”
Ann bought a bush block backing onto the Margaret River in 2017 and wasted no time removing woody weeds and invasive arum lilies, and helping to restore the river foreshore. Now, she said the decision to include Nature Conservation in her Will was a natural extension of her connection to place. She’s also played a key role in the conservation group and is the current chair.
Ann Ward weed mapping in the Boranup Forest
“I’ve been lucky enough to live in this very special part of the world and I’d like to know I can play a small part in continuing to care for country, even when I’m no longer here,” she said. “A bequest to Nature Conservation feels both meaningful and worthwhile.”
Nature Conservation Margaret River Region delivers community-driven conservation across the region, including bushland restoration, coastal care, invasive species control, citizen science and education programs. Bequests play an important role in ensuring this work can continue well into the future.
Ann Ward has been a champion of nature and conservation in our region
Nature Conservation CEO Aaron Jaggar said gifts in Wills are a powerful expression of long-term care for place. “People like Ann are thinking deeply about the future of this region and the living systems that support it,” he said. “A bequest is one of the most meaningful ways to ensure that care continues beyond a lifetime — helping protect biodiversity, restore ecosystems and support community action for generations to come.”
Mr Jaggar said bequests help provide long-term stability for conservation work that often relies on sustained effort over decades.
Greenpeace’s David Ritter with Nature Conservation’s Ann Ward and Aaron Jaggar
“This work doesn’t stop and start — it’s ongoing,” he said. “Bequests help ensure we can keep restoring landscapes, supporting volunteers and responding to environmental challenges as they arise.”
Including Nature Conservation in a Will is simple and flexible, and can be tailored as a percentage or residual gift. People considering a bequest are encouraged to speak with their family and solicitor, with confidential guidance available from Nature Conservation. Find out more about bequests HERE.