Your Legacy for a Greener Planet : John D . Mitchell
John D . Mitchell , Rainforest Trust Board of Directors Chair Emeritus , was drawn to nature at an early age . He spent his childhood summers exploring Pennypack Creek Valley in southeastern Pennsylvania . During his undergraduate years studying biology , John melded his love of the outdoors with his growing skill as a botanist to survey the 800-acre wilderness park now known as Pennypack Preserve . The wilderness management plan he presented to the Pennypack Watershed Association in 1981 played a key role in shaping the park ’ s future , and his own . He has devoted his life to protecting healthy ecosystems not only for the species who call them home but for all of us .
Born to Give
Generosity was instilled in John as a young man . In the 1950s , his grandfather , parents and other family members founded the Beneficia Foundation to raise funds and support nonprofit organizations . When in his 20s , he volunteered on the foundation ’ s environmental committee where he reviewed proposals . Through this work , he met Byron Swift , Rainforest Trust founder , who was supporting the same land conservation project in Esmeraldas , Ecuador that Beneficia was . John soon became involved as Chairman of the Board and has been engaged with Rainforest Trust ever since .
“ I have always felt passionately about Rainforest Trust ’ s mission ,” said John . “ It is so compelling — we have a single purpose and our strategy is unique . Partnering with local non-profit organizations around the world is the key .”
“ Rainforest Trust was too much of a secret in the beginning . Now , the secret is out , and people want to support the incredibly fantastic unmet need we are fulfilling ,” he said .
As a member of the board for 18 years , John gives to the organization ’ s general support fund . “ It ’ s the species like the red pandas and jaguars and the forests that bring in new donors ,” said John . He has included Rainforest Trust in his estate so that after he is gone , he will still contribute .
There ' s no way to recreate a species once it is gone ."
Time is of the Essence
“ When you hear about rainforest destruction by oil palm plantations and other forms of agriculture ,” John said , “ and you learn there is an alternative — to create sustainable private reserves and new national parks — this is the obvious choice for me . It is important to save as many species and as much habitat as possible , before they are gone . Time is of the essence .”
“ I believe we all have an incredible opportunity to make a difference . There ' s no way to recreate a species once it is gone . Instead , we can protect rich and diverse ecosystems , incredibly beautiful birds , mammals , plants , frogs and even coral reefs for our children and grandchildren ,” he said .
For anyone who derives pleasure out of nature , John encourages them to donate and consider leaving a bequest to Rainforest Trust from their estate . “ Be as generous as possible — think of the species , the habitats , the difference you can make in mitigating climate change .” He emphasizes that even a small gift can be the difference between a species going extinct or not . “ We are all interconnected in ways we don ’ t fully understand .”
John D . Mitchell is a Research Fellow at the New York Botanical Garden and Research Associate at the Smithsonian Institution , National Museum of Natural History . John also serves on the boards of the Turtle Survival Alliance , Turtle Conservancy and the Friends of the United States Botanic Garden . He is a Fellow of the Linnean Society of London and a member of the Explorers Club . John has authored and co-authored many scientific papers , publications and books about tropical vegetation , tropical tree identification and the taxonomy of the Cashew – Poison Ivy family .
14 Rainforest Trust 2021 Annual Report