Scott Melvin Memorial Fund

Scott Melvin, former Senior Zoologist with the Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program, was an internationally recognized leader in Piping Plover conservation.

For over 30 years, Scott led Massachusetts’ efforts to protect Piping Plovers. Through a combination of pragmatism, good humor, technical expertise, and perseverance, Scott was often able to find common ground with those of opposing views and win their respect for his unwavering commitment to conservation. Scott also mentored many biologists entering the field, and recognized that working with beach-nesting birds provided an important real world learning opportunity to train the next generation of practical-minded natural resource managers. Scott passed away prematurely in 2014.

The Massachusetts Outdoor Heritage Foundation worked with us to establish the Scott Melvin Memorial Fund Fund to honor Scott’s memory and his enduring contributions to wildlife conservation. Funds will be used to advance coastal waterbird conservation, in particular by providing plover and tern internship opportunities and small research grants to graduate students entering the field.

Make a donation

Your contribution will:

• Advance Piping Plover conservation
• Support interns and graduate students entering the field of shorebird conservation
• Honor Scott’s memory and enduring contributions to wildlife conservation

Donate online via the Massachusetts Outdoor Heritage Foundation website. (Select "Scott Melvin Memorial Fund" under the drop-down menu for "How should this donation be applied?".)

Or send a check payable to: 

Massachusetts Outdoor Heritage Foundation
P.O. Box 47, Westborough, MA 01581

Be sure to write “Melvin Fund” on the memo line.

Additional Resources

Success on the Sand: Piping Plover Management