Island Preserved for Future Generations

Elizabeth Hird

Elizabeth Hird created the Outer Island Education and Research Fund in 2003 to ensure protection of the island's natural resources and to enable continued access to the island for educational and research activities.

For 30 years, Elizabeth Hird was a pioneer in the local community for environmental preservation and education. Perhaps no single act demonstrated her commitment to environmental conservation as much as her donation of Outer Island to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 1995.

Later on, Hird created a donor-advised fund at The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven to ensure protection of the island's natural resources and to enable continued access to the island for educational and research activities. Donations made to the fund support the instructional, research, and outreach programs about Outer Island that are administered by the Connecticut State University System.

Outer Island access point. Visit outerisland.org for more information about the research and education that goes on and friendsofouterisland.org for volunteer opportunities and upcoming events.

In 2002 Hird bequeathed another piece of real estate—this time her home—with instructions that it be sold and its proceeds added to the Outer Island Fund. Hird's Outer Island Education and Research Fund is currently valued at more than $2 million, ensuring that Outer Island will be preserved in its natural state and used for education and research by students, environmental agencies, and others for years to come.

Youth enrolled in Solar Youth 's Summer Camp are one of the many groups who benefit from island day trips and exploration. Become a kid again—watch them practice a humming meditation while studying periwinkles along the coastline.