It’s hard to believe six months have passed since we said goodbye to Everglades hero Margaret Reno Hurchalla. Not a day goes by that we don’t remember the immense contributions and sacrifices she made in Florida for our communities and environment. As difficult as it was to think of a world without Maggy’s perseverance and inspiration, you helped us realize that her triumphant spirit lives on through Everglades advocacy and supporters. Hundreds of Maggy Hurchalla’s friends and loved ones contributed more than $25,000 cumulatively to Friends of the Everglades in the wake of her passing.

Now, Friends of the Everglades is honored to announce the creation of The Maggy Hurchalla Opportunity Fund, seeded by your heartfelt contributions. Your gifts are already paying dividends: We are using these funds to continue Maggy’s last crusade, the effort to protect thousands of acres of rural lands in western Martin County. Working with one of the state’s most-respected environmental land-use attorneys, Richard Grosso, we have articulated a strong position against the so-called “Rural Lifestyle” amendment coming to the Martin County Commission for a vote on Sept. 13. This amendment remains a significant threat to the highly regarded Comprehensive Growth Management Plan that Maggy helped write during her 20-year tenure as a Martin County Commissioner.

This work was only possible because of your gifts in Maggy’s memory. We stand alongside you as we strive to live up to Maggy’s last words: “It’s your turn.”

Friends of the Everglades is committed to Maggy’s never-back-down legacy and upholding the pillars of character she represented in the Everglades community.

If you would like to see The Maggy Hurchalla Opportunity Fund grow, please inquire with us about planned-giving options that are right for you by giving our office a call at (305) 669-0858 or email us at info@everglades.org.