The Economic Times

In 1964, Jane Sewall bought the abandoned Maine island she had dreamed of since childhood; 22 years later, she gave it away to keep it wild forever

Jane Sewall's childhood dream came true when she purchased Witch Island near South Bristol, Maine. In a generous move, she donated it in two stages to prevent commercialization, carefully timing the gifts to sidestep impending tax regulations affecting property values. The Maine Coast Heritage Trust and the Maine Audubon Society were the fortunate recipients, while Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust now oversees the island as a protected wildlife haven.