Karen believes in giving back to the species and landscapes from which she draws her inspiration. In part, she gives back by including educational and conservation information about the subject of every piece she sells. In addition, she donates a portion of her proceeds every year to support conservation efforts. In 2009, portions of her proceeds will be donated to Orange County Coastkeeper and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.

"I chose Coastkeeper this year," says Karen, "because they are a local organization committed to protecting and preserving all of Orange County's water bodies and restoring them to healthy, fully functioning systems that will protect both recreational uses and aquatic life. This year I also chose the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, because I grew up in Maryland, where I was inspired by the Bay. Even though I have not lived on the Bay in quite some time, I realize the importance of this body or water to our nation, and I want to support the work of an organization that daily partners cooperatively with government, business, and citizens to protect and restore the Bay."