Sharon Glynn was born in Nova Scotia and grew up running wild in the area around Mount Saint Vincent University and Susie Lake, climbing trees, picking blueberries, catching and raising tadpoles. She and her friends learned about nature on their own, by spending time in it, and she has spent a lifetime enjoying it while canoeing, kayaking, and camping.

After completing a business degree at Saint Mary’s University, Sharon went into law and practiced for seven years. But she found that her heart wasn’t in it, so transitioned into marketing and graphic design. Now self-employed as one of the owners of Spirit Coast Art on Vancouver Island, Sharon focuses both on her own photography and on curating a selection of photographs by various artists, for homes or offices.

“We are a part of nature and it is a part of us,” says Sharon, who also believes, “Land conservation is one of most important things we can be doing—protecting ecosystems because we [all species] are linked—and the Nature Trust Conservation Lands protect habitats and species as well as providing people with the opportunity to see and use these protected areas.”

In 2005, Sharon was inducted into the Nature Trust Legacy Circle because she had made a future gift to the Nature Trust in her will. Now, 15 years later, Sharon is updating her will but will not be changing her planned gift to the Nature Trust. She considered other BC-based organizations, but noted, “The Nova Scotia Nature Trust is one of the most well run groups I’ve seen. The quality of communications and projects is outstanding. Everything speaks to good organization and stability. And that is critical if you are planning to leave a future gift—you want to leave your money to an organization that will be around.”

When asked how she would like to be remembered, Sharon said, “It is not about me; it is about how I can help. And I think that preventing the destruction of nature would be a good legacy. We have to ensure that nature is protected.”