Seed biologist Melissa Spearing passed away in late August in Fredericton, New Brunswick. Originally from Bethany, Melissa was a passionate steward and protector of nature and her loss has been felt by the conservation community throughout the Kawarthas and the country.
In memory of Melissa and her life’s work, the Spearing Family has requested that donations made in her memory be directed to Kawartha Land Trust (KLT).
With the support of the Spearing Family, KLT is directing donations to The Melissa Spearing Memorial Fund. To donate to the fund in Melissa’s memory, please complete the form below.
The fund will support conservation and stewardship projects in and around Bethany, Melissa’s childhood home.
A Letter from a Friend and Colleague of Melissa’s at Kawartha Land Trust
Those who worked with Melissa knew her incredible dedication to forest stewardship, seed conservation, and nature restoration. We are all so fortunate to have known her energy and at such a loss knowing that it’s gone.
Over the years, Melissa helped KLT expand our impact on nature where she grew up, and we’ve been involved on her family’s land through our programs. She has inspired me personally by displaying incredible work ethic, shown me how to balance scientific evidence with passion, and how to think holistically about conservation.
Specific opportunities are emerging on how we will use the fund, but please contact me if you would like to work together on a conservation project to honour Melissa.
I’m reminded in this sad time of Melissa’s strategic mind and action-oriented approach. I’ll make sure that the donations we receive in her memory will be used to do something that Melissa would be proud of, in a place that she loved.
Sincerely,
Thom Unrau,
Director of Community Conservation
[email protected]
