Melissa Mills
Trail Design and Development Specialist
Melissa Mills brings a deep-rooted connection to Newfoundland’s landscapes and a passion for environmental stewardship to her role as the Great Coastal Trail Authority’s Trail Design and Development Specialist.
Growing up in Central Newfoundland, surrounded by forest and the mighty Exploits River, she developed a profound appreciation for the natural world. The red, iron-rich sandstone, the annual migration of Atlantic Salmon, the songbirds at her backyard feeder, and the rhythm of the seasons sparked an early curiosity about the land, its ecosystems, and the science that sustains them. Having explored over 20 of Canada’s National Parks and travelled to remarkable natural destinations around the world, she still calls Newfoundland her favourite place — for its landscapes, its culture, and its people.
Melissa Mills
Trail Design & Development Specialist
mmills@greatcoastaltrail.com
With a Bachelor of Science in Earth Science from Memorial University and a Master of Science in Earth and Ocean Science from the University of Victoria, Melissa blends technical expertise with a lifelong love of the outdoors. Her approach to trail design is grounded in science, best practices, and environmental sustainability, ensuring that the trail not only respects but celebrates the unique character of each community along the Great Northern Peninsula. Melissa’s work is about more than building trails, it’s about creating connections, safeguarding ecosystems, and ensuring that this legacy project becomes a source of pride, prosperity, and preservation for generations to come.
Melissa brings a wealth of expertise in trail planning, community engagement, and sustainable infrastructure development. Her career has been dedicated to creating spaces that connect people to nature while respecting the landscapes, cultures, and histories that make those spaces unique.
Her eye for design and commitment to community consultation make her the perfect person to guide the physical development of the Great Coastal Trail, a legacy project that will celebrate the rugged beauty, culture, and heritage of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Great Northern Peninsula.