Eileen Rockefeller Growald makes transformational $1 million gift to the Preserve
- Land & Garden Preserve
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
The Preserve is honored to share exciting news. Longtime supporter and former board director Eileen Rockefeller Growald has made a $1 million commitment to advance cultural stewardship across the Preserve.
Eileen’s extraordinary gift reflects her deep love for the Preserve and her family’s enduring legacy of caring for the landscapes of Mount Desert Island.
“The Land & Garden Preserve holds a very special place in my heart,” said Eileen. “It represents the harmony between art, nature, and community that my family has cherished for generations.
My hope is that this gift helps ensure the gardens and landscapes we love will continue to inspire, educate, and nurture all who visit.”
Eileen's generosity will directly support several major initiatives, including the development of Cultural Landscape Reports (CLR) that document the history and evolution of the gardens and natural lands. Read more about CLRs here. These studies will guide future preservation and restoration work. Eileen’s gift will also support the conservation of sculptures in the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Garden and other projects that unite scholarship with stewardship.
“Eileen’s profoundly meaningful gift comes from her deep love and lifelong connection to the Preserve,” said Patrick MacRae, Preserve CEO. “Her generosity is a powerful affirmation of our mission and an inspiration to others who cherish these historic landscapes.”
This $1 million commitment represents Eileen’s largest philanthropic gift to an organization not of her own founding and stands among the most significant non-endowment contributions in the Preserve’s history.
“We are deeply grateful to Eileen for this remarkable act of generosity,” said Kate Macko, Chair of the Board of Directors. “Her gift is an inspiring example of how personal commitment can shape the future of the Preserve.”
Eileen’s vision and generosity will help ensure that the beauty, history, and spirit of the Preserve continue to flourish.
Photo courtesy of Eileen Rockefeller Growald