Everyone at Maine Audubon was deeply saddened to learn of the recent passing of Jed Wright, project leader of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Gulf of Maine Coastal Program and a frequent and close collaborator with many members of our staff and the broader Maine conservation community.
In particular, Jed was a key leader on the Stream Smart road crossing project to improve wildlife passage under roadways. In the photo above, he was leading a Stream Smart workshop to train road professionals in the field.
When asked to remember Jed, here’s what some Maine Audubon staff members had to say:
He was always smiling and positive, and was a great professional mentor when I asked for advice and guidance. Clearly both his heart and soul were deep into Maine conservation.
I only met Jed for the first time in January, but he’s been very involved in the Stream Smart/stream connectivity work for years. And even in the short time I knew him, he made me feel welcome to the group and valued. He smiled easily and often, was super smart, generous, and thoughtful. He was passionate about his work and really seemed to enjoy it — getting out in the field, overseeing things like the Private Partners Conference, weighing in on projects, and even taking undergrad interns under his wing. He had a lot to offer and was generous with his time and thoughts.
I had the pleasure to work with Jed on the Keeping Maine’s Forest Initiative. Jed was a pleasure to work with, was proud of all of the collaborative conservation work taking place in Maine, and was one of the most enthusiastic voices at our implementation team meetings. He was a likable guy whose presence always brought a dose of sunshine to the people around him. He will be sadly missed.
He was a mentor, colleague, partner, and friend for Maine Audubon, and was also devoted member and visitor — a Gilsland Farm regular. We will miss him dearly as our partnership with USF&W continues.
Jed took his own life on October 6 following a struggle with severe anxiety. In lieu of flowers, his family has asked that donations be made to the Yellow Tulip Project, which is dedicated to helping “smash the stigma around mental illness.”
The staff members of Maine Audubon send their condolences and love to Jed’s family, colleagues, and community.
