With much sadness, HARP acknowledges the passing of its co-founder Dr. James F. Matthews “Jim” on December 24th, 2024.

For those of us who had the privilege to know and work with Jim, his passing leaves an empty place in our hearts. He was a champion for botany, ecology, and knowledge. He creatively solved ecological challenges that others could not. He protected so many important natural areas and natural resources. His contributions to the City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County greenspaces and surrounding cities and counties cannot be underestimated. His contribution to the education of so many current and former natural resources consultants, engineers, regulators, developers and colleagues cannot be overstated. His knowledge lives on in each one of us he shaped, enlightened, informed and changed. We should all strive to be as important to the natural resources remaining that we endeavor to save and protect, as Jim was.

We miss you, Jim.

HARP