Sara Wilson, National Nursery and Reforestation Specialist

I work with State, private, and Tribal nurseries and land managers across the Nation to provide technical assistance and funding opportunities.

I am passionate about public service and the Forest Service motto: “Caring for the Land and Serving People.” I think it is important to do everything we can to care for the land we inhabit and be good stewards.

When I was a nursery manager, we had a small fire on the property. It burned our power lines, and we did not have power to our water system for 18 days. We had to get very creative to figure out a way to irrigate 3 million seedlings during that time. I’m proud to say that all the trees survived!

Most of my work now is done on a computer or telephone. It is nice to have technology to be able to connect virtually with practitioners all over the Nation. When working with other nursery managers, we can send photos back and forth to help identify equipment or issues.

One summer I was hired to hike all over the Lake Tahoe Basin identifying and recording aspen stands. It is one of the most beautiful locations in the world, and I was lucky enough to be a part of its preservation. Twenty-one years later and it is still one of my favorite summer positions.

I grew up close to a national forest and always felt drawn to working in the natural resources field. My first position was working for the summer at a campground. I knew then that I would continue my career in public service. I loved working outside and connecting with the public.