Jackson Community Foundation Announces $5.1 Million Bequest to Support Dahlem Conservancy

Monica Moser, JCF President & CEO, Mark Snedeker, longtime friend and representative of the Berlet Estate, and Ben Dandrow, President and CEO of the Dahlem Conservancy. Courtesy photo.

(January 24, 2022 9:42 AM) The Jackson Community Foundation today announced it has received a $5.1 million bequest, its largest to date, to support the Dahlem Conservancy in perpetuity through the Berlet Fund for Nature. The bequest came from Myrna I. Berlet, a longtime resident of Jackson and lifelong conservationist. Myrna was an accomplished teacher, photographer, filmmaker, and woodcarver whose love of nature, faith, and community was evident in everything she did. After receiving degrees in Biology and Zoology, she and her first husband, Walter Berlet, went on to build an internationally renowned nature film business. Following his death, Myrna taught at Jackson College for 32 years, receiving many awards during her tenure. 

“We are honored that Myrna trusted the Jackson Community Foundation as the vehicle to support an organization that was very important to her,” said Monica Moser, President & CEO. “By establishing The Berlet Fund for Nature, Myrna’s legacy as a conservationist will continue to impact Jackson County for generations to come. This Fund will provide a permanent endowment that will grow from investment, serve as a tool for others to contribute to, and provide annual, sustainable income to the Dahlem Conservancy.” 

“The Dahlem Conservancy is incredibly thankful for the memory and contributions of Myrna Berlet. Myrna had a deep abiding love for Dahlem. She was a guiding visionary force for over 50 years in our mission of providing environmental education and outdoor experiences to the residents of South-central Michigan,” said Ben Dandrow, Executive Director. “Through her steadfast support, Myrna expressed her confidence in Dahlem’s important role in nurturing the love of nature in people of all ages. She not only gave her time, services, and talents but was a generous financial contributor dur-ing her lifetime, donating nearly a quarter of a million dollars. Her support of Dahlem did not end with her life but will continue into posterity. Myrna Berlet’s endowment will ensure the continued sustainability and growth of the Dahlem Conservancy.”