Bench of Legacy: Marking the Impact of Our Preserve's First Donor
June 27, 2025
By Leslie Salmeron
Located on the Atlantic Ocean in the Village of Southampton, Phillips Pond Preserve is the quintessential dune ecosystem, under constant change from the natural forces of wind and water. Most of the south shore of Long Island looked like this 75 years ago.
In 1984, Burton Brous became the first donor to donate a property to the Trust. Thanks to his help, we protected this 6-acre oceanfront and shoreline of Phillips Pond through a series of 3 gifts in the 1980s.
Forty-one years later, Sherry Brous, his daughter, and Douglas Oliver, her husband, joined us in commemorating his legacy with the installation of a bench and plaque in his name at the preserve. We are honored to be able to help in the protection of this land and carry on Burt's vision.
If you or anybody you know wishes to celebrate a loved one or commemorate a meaningful moment by dedicating a tribute at one of our protected Trust properties across Long Island, please reach out to Jessie McSwane at JMcSwane@PeconicLandTrust.org.
Your gift not only creates a lasting memory- it also helps safeguard over 14,000 acres of land we have protected throughout the East End.
Leslie Salmeron
Digital Communication Associate