Ensuring Forest Futures - Pacific Forest Trust

Winter 2026

Ensuring Forest Futures

PFT has incredible partners and supporters. We spoke with Susie Schroll, a longtime supporter, about why she works with PFT. She has supported us for over 20 years, as a contributor, an easement Grantor, and a partner managing her forestland.

Why do you love forests?

I grew up in northern California, experiencing the magnificent forests of the Sierra, and the coastal redwoods, as well as forests in Oregon. The beauty of these forests was simply awe inspiring. I knew from a young age that these forests and all the creatures that live in them were incredibly important to me. I had a sense of belonging in the forest from the beginning.

How did you come to be involved with PFT?

My family has been involved in forestlands for several generations, but the model of forest management the family followed seemed shortsighted to me. I learned of Connie and Laurie’s work initially working with them to conserve a redwood forest I owned in Anderson Valley. I was intrigued by their approach of managing for both conservation and investment with long-term, whole forest management.

You decided to include PFT in your estate plan in addition to making annual gifts — why?

I worked with PFT to acquire forestlands in northern California; PFT now manages that forest, based on the approach I saw on the van Eck forests. I also wanted to help guarantee the organization’s strong future, and included PFT in my estate plan. Now, I plan to make that gift during my lifetime. It makes sense, because once I am gone, I won’t be able to see how my efforts make a difference. By making that gift during my lifetime, I will. Especially now, I think we all need to step up and do more to make a difference for our forests, our futures and the planet.

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