Negus Growing House

Member Uses Appreciated Stock to Invest in a Greater Good

John C. Charlie Negus is a gentle man who loves to plant trees and do his part in protecting the health of our planet.

Last year, Charlie became aware of an opportunity to support a project that has widespread impact, today and in the future. The Foundation's Hazelnut Project at Arbor Day Farm, which involves over 50,000 Arbor Day Foundation members in field testing various cultivars around the country, needed a facility for research and use of state-of-art propagation technology - a growing house.

By transferring appreciated stock as a donation, Charlie was able to honor his family, provide generous support to the Foundation's mission, and create a lasting legacy. He was also able to receive significant personal tax savings with a charitable deduction for the contribution, while avoiding capital-gain tax.

Today, The Negus Growing House at Arbor Day Farm, provided by John C. Negus & Family, is in full production, providing trees to members across the country. It is an important addition to our Trees for America Terrace here at Arbor Day Farm, says greenhouse manager, Kathy Ward. Charlie's commitment to our mission has allowed us to have a true production and research-focused growing facility - it gives us maximum flexibility and will provide hundreds of thousands of member trees for many years to come.

Charlie is proud both to honor his family name with the Growing House and of the impact the trees will make. Anytime there is a chance to invest in a greater good and be involved in truly making a difference, one shouldn't pass it up, says Charlie. This new facility and tree propagation approach will put many, many more trees in the ground. That's very good for our world and for future generations.