Joshua’s Trust is excited to announce Melica Stinnett as its new Development & Communications Coordinator. Melica joined the Trust at the beginning of December and brings a diverse toolkit of design and communications experience from her previous work in the nonprofit and history sectors. In her new role, Melica will work to enhance the impact and expand the visibility of the organization in a professional and cohesive way.
Melica’s recent professional experience includes working as the Exhibit Designer & Communicator at the Connecticut State Museum of Natural History on the UConn Storrs campus. During her time there, she led the redesign of the museum’s biannual newsletter, which she successfully revived after a five-year hiatus. This newsletter effort played a critical role in re-engaging past supporters with the museum’s mission and achievements. Additionally, she oversaw the redesign and implementation of the museum’s membership program, which had also lapsed due to the pandemic and staff turnover. She is a creative, organized, and detail-oriented professional with a passion for connecting communities to the natural world through visual and verbal storytelling.
Reflecting on her new role at Joshua’s Trust, Melica said, “For the past twenty years—since the day I moved across the country to Mansfield— the land that Joshua’s Trust protects and shares has shaped who I am as an individual. I’m excited to bring my creativity, experiences, and vision to further the mission of Joshua’s Trust and to connect our communities to the natural world.”
“I’m thrilled to welcome Melica to Joshua’s Trust. Her creativity, communications experience, and genuine connection to the land we protect make her an exceptional addition to our team. I’m excited for the fresh energy and perspective she brings to our outreach and storytelling” said David McCarthy, Executive Director, Joshua’s Trust.
Joshua’s Trust, formally known as Joshua’s Tract Conservation and Historic Trust, Inc. is a nonprofit regional conservation organization protecting more than 5,000 acres in Northeastern Connecticut, largely through the work of dedicated volunteers. The organization–founded in 1966 and nationally accredited by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission since 2011–is committed to protecting the land and preserving the heritage of northeastern Connecticut for future generations, with a focus on safeguarding open spaces, maintaining trails, and fostering a deep appreciation for the natural and cultural resources that make our region unique.
The work of Joshua’s Trust spans Eastern Connecticut through Windham, Tolland, and New London County. In addition to maintaining 42 miles of walking trails for the public to appreciate and enjoy, Joshua’s Trust preserves two historically significant sites in Mansfield Center; the Gurleyville Grist Mill and Atwood Farm, the headquarters of the organization.