An environmental group has honored a late member with a memorial bench at a Wallaceburg area nature site.
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Members of the Sydenham Field Naturalists recently gathered with family members of Zachary Junkin, a co-president of the organization who died last August, at Peers Wetlands for the unveiling.
According to a news release from the group, the bench was made from a 160-year-old burr oak tree.
“The bench, crafted from a historic burr oak that was felled in the name of progress, stands as a testament to Zach’s enduring love for nature and his commitment to environmental stewardship,” the release stated.
The bench includes a quote from Junkin: “I just want to plant trees.”
The field naturalists also planted three red oak trees behind the bench, which are meant to symbolize Junkin’s wife Brooke and their two daughters, Celeste and Jenny, the release said.
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“This tribute is set in Peers Wetlands, a cherished location that Zach’s father-in-law helps to steward, and a place frequently visited by Brooke and the girls,” the release said. “The wetlands hold a special place in the family’s heart and now serve as a lasting reminder of Zach’s devotion to nature.”
The memorial was funded through donations from Junkin’s family and friends and the broader community.
“His love for nature and the environment will forever be remembered by all who visit (Peers Wetland),” the release said. “The bench and the newly planted trees serve as a living legacy, inspiring future generations to cherish and protect our natural world.”
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