By Pam Bierzynski, Communications Manager -
When I began working at Legacy in 2013, we were a staff of six–sometimes joined by an intern or two–sharing a little over 600 square feet inside the NEW Center. The team had just wrapped up two art exhibitions and was putting the finishing touches on a website refresh with the help of the Marketing Committee.
Legacy looked different then–and so did the world around us. Technology and online communication were just beginning to shift. Websites served a different purpose. Blogs were popular. Social media was still finding its footing. News still arrived in our mailboxes, on our doorsteps, or at our desks, not constantly in our pockets.
More than a decade later, as Legacy grew and as expectations for clarity, accessibility, and connection grew too, it became clear our website needed to grow with us.
Why Our Website Needed to Change
“Digital design is like painting, except the paint never dries.” ~Neville Brody, Graphic designer
Unknown to many, website design is cyclical. With evolving trends, ideas and goals, websites need to be designed again and again to continue providing good experiences to visitors. And they should also reflect an organization’s current strategic vision, mission, and goals while meeting the needs of multiple audiences.
Our old website didn’t reflect us anymore, and the structure made it harder than it should have been for landowners, volunteers, and supporters to find what they needed.
A few years ago, Legacy embraced a new strategic plan, robust core values built on trust, inclusivity, and transparency, and an inspirational vision centered on protecting diverse ecosystems while also expanding access, creating opportunities, and building a more inclusive future in nature.
Innovative land protection grounded in justice, equity, diversity, accessibility, and inclusion is more than an idea at Legacy. It is a part of who we are and how we work.
And our commitment to it extends beyond conserving land, invasive species removal, or adding thoughtful signage on our preserves to help visitors feel welcome and safe.
We’re also focusing on smaller but essential details like accessibility through writing and design to ensure a positive, inclusive, and educational experience for everyone who reads our publications–and it is time to reflect this on our website.
A Website Designed for Today
Over a year ago with the help of a local business Invisible Engines, we began creating a new website that helps advance our strategic and organizational goals, provide a positive and efficient user experience for all site visitors, and is grounded in justice, equity, diversity, accessibility, and inclusion principles.
Now, through carefully crafted design and intentional content we have a website that is truly an expression of Legacy and our work. It meets our strategic goals and embodies our values. It’s welcoming to all, accessible, clear and informative, and it inspires engagement.
It shares the story of who we are, how we help, and the ways we impact land conservation in our community. It helps new landowners understand conservation options and existing landowners care for their protected land. It makes preserves easier to explore and access. It invites visitors to volunteer, support our work, and continue the conversation in person.
With Gratitude
We’ve learned so much through this process, and we’re deeply grateful to the many people who helped make this site possible.
We’re thankful for our partners at Invisible Engines–especially Linette and Sarah–who challenged us to think differently, ask better questions, and slow down to ensure our words and design are truly welcoming. Relearning how to write with accessibility and inclusion at the forefront wasn’t easy work, but it was essential and we’re better for it.
This project also wouldn’t have been possible without Legacy’s dedicated staff and the internal working group who invested countless hours, thoughtful feedback, and genuine care into every page. Their commitment ensured that the site reflects not just what we do, but who we are.
And finally, thank you to our community. Your trust, questions, engagement, and support are the reason this website exists at all. We built it with you in mind.
Built for You
Our new website reflects who Legacy is today: a trusted, experienced conservation organization that is growing, listening, and adapting. Most importantly, it’s built to better serve everyone including the people who make this work possible—our landowners, volunteers, donors, and community.
We invite you to explore, learn, and see how Legacy is protecting land now and for generations to come.