Sara Ward Named Director of the Atlantic Conservation Coalition at N.C. DNCR

The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) announced today that Sara Ward has been named director of the Atlantic Conservation Coalition, a multi-state coalition with North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and Maryland whose mission is to reduce carbon emissions through protection and restoration of the regions' forests, peatlands, and coastal habitats.

In 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency awarded a $421 million grant that is being used to deliver conservation and restoration projects for peatland wetlands, coastal habitats, and forests across all four states. DNCR is managing the grant funds for all four states over a five-year period.

"Sara's extensive experience in conservation policy make her an ideal choice to manage this substantial grant over the next five years," said DNCR Secretary Pamela B. Cashwell. "Her expertise will be invaluable as we implement projects across the region to conserve more natural lands, restore streams and wetlands, and make North Carolina more resilient."

Before joining the team at DNCR, Ward served as the national Nature-Based Resiliency Coordinator for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and as an associate advisor to the U.S. Department of the Interior's Nature-Based Solutions Working Group. She was also a climate advisor to the U.S Department of the Interior during the Biden administration, where she spearheaded the development of a new nature-based solutions policy and roadmap. Ward previously worked for over 20 years with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in North Carolina as an ecologist and environmental contaminants specialist. In that role, she fostered innovative partnerships to build resilient and thriving habitats and communities through conservation and restoration.

Ward received a bachelor's degree in biology from St. Mary's College of Maryland and her Master of Environmental Management in environmental toxicology, chemistry, and risk assessment from Duke University Nicholas School of the Environment.

About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina - its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. Through its programs, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency.

The department manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. For more information, please visit https://www.dncr.nc.gov.

Related Topics: