The Forest Through the Trees

Ronald and LuAnn Benoit’s connection to UMass Amherst is not traditional. Neither attended the university nor do they have relatives who call it their alma mater. Instead, their connection is built on something else: genuine friendship.

Connecting Passion to Purpose

The Benoits met the late David Kittredge, professor emeritus of Natural Resources and Environment, decades after purchasing the 73 acres of forest they currently own. They bonded with him over their similar views on land-use ethics. “We were both interested in how to best care for our property, how to develop a stewardship with the land.”

After Kittredge’s passing, professor of Forest Ecology and Conservation Paul Catanzaro—who is equally passionate about conservation and protection—enthusiastically nurtured the Benoits’ connection to the university.

During this time, the Benoits began planning for the future. Having no children of their own, they became concerned about the fate of their forest should they sell it. Then their passion for ethical stewardship gave them an idea.

In September 2021, Ron emailed Paul to tell him of their intention to include UMass Amherst in their estate planning. Paul met with the Benoits to tour their property and saw the incredible potential it held for teaching the next generation of conservationists.

Soon after, Paul incorporated visits to the Benoits into his curriculum so students could learn how to create a forest management plan that included land mapping, soil studies, and flora and fauna research.

At the end of the Spring 2022 semester, the students presented their final plan to the Benoits. Seeing the invaluable learning experiences that the students gained from their land solidified the Benoits’ decision to gift their property to UMass Amherst. “We became very close to those students,” says LuAnn. “We really liked who they were as people.”

An Outdoor Classroom

The Benoits have created the Ron and LuAnn Benoit Forestry Management Fund. They plan to gift their full property, house included, to the university for use as an outdoor classroom and research area. They have also given monetary assets to fund additional resources and the hiring of faculty to enrich the Forest Ecology and Conservation program.

No matter what you are passionate about, there is a space to honor it at the UMass Amherst Foundation. Contact us to begin a conversation about how your legacy can capture what you love.