“We can’t simply wait and hope for someone else to rescue us from situations like the climate crisis and ongoing threats to natural resources. That’s magical thinking. With a legacy gift to GPC, I feel like I’ve got a stake in the outcome — I feel like I’ll actually help to make a difference. By this example, I hope others might be empowered and inspired to do the same.”
Scott Kuykendall
We’re excited to recognize our newest Legacy Society member, Hansville resident and artist, Scott Kuykendall! Scott generously chose to include Great Peninsula Conservancy in his will with a gift to GPC’s Hansville Highlands property, part of the Hansville Greenway. When he isn’t busy tramping through the Greenway, Scott is a designer and painter. His work can be found on GPC’s 2025 Conservation Celebration event materials and on his website here. Thank you, Scott for your foresight for the future preservation of the Greenway!

• What inspired you to make a legacy gift to Great Peninsula Conservancy for the Hansville Greenway? What influenced your decision?
As a resident of Hansville and Kitsap County, I’m aware of how valuable a natural resource the Greenway is, as well as what it contributes to the community on a local scale. I’m grateful to be able to have access to this wonderful open space and hope that GPC can continue to add more acreage with ongoing donations and legacy gifts. As stewards and conservators of open space in Kitsap, I know that my legacy will help GPC continue to benefit future generations.
• Why is it important to you to leave a legacy gift for conservation? What do you envision will be the impact?
Open space (and the ecosystems within) will continue to be under threat for development by commercial interests, due to the housing crisis. At the moment, conservation efforts on a national level are facing a questionable future in terms of funding and the political will to keep protected lands safe from encroachment for the exploitation of natural resources. So it’s left to private citizens and non-governmental entities to fill the gaps. I hope that visitors to the open space under GPC’s stewardship will find they are renewed and refreshed in spirit, as I am, when I experience the Greenway trails and special spots like the Quiet Place on Hawk’s Pond, or the western views of the Olympic Range in the newly added Highlands section.
• Is there someone in your life who inspired you to give back in this way?
If anybody, it was my father. I grew up in the desert southwest and during my childhood, frequent trips were made in the family station wagon to national parks, monuments, wilderness camping areas and historic sites in New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, and Wyoming. These were the most memorable times of my childhood, and if it were not for dad’s love of road trips, I would never have been exposed to those places.
• What message or legacy would you like to leave for future generations through this gift?
We can’t simply wait and hope for someone else to rescue us from situations like the climate crisis and ongoing threats to natural resources. That’s magical thinking. With a legacy gift to GPC, I feel like I’ve got a stake in the outcome — I feel like I’ll actually help to make a difference. By this example, I hope others might be empowered and inspired to do the same.
You can’t act more locally than with a legacy gift to GPC. Many of its protected properties are open to the public. So If you haven’t already, experience one for yourself.
Only two spots remain in GPC’s Legacy Challenge Match, which activates a $1,000 donation when you pledge to join the Legacy Society by including GPC in your will or estate plans. Learn more here.