Sara Ward

Sara Ward is the director of the Atlantic Conservation Coalition, a multi-state coalition with North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and Maryland whose mission is to increase carbon sequestration through protection and restoration of the regions’ forests, peatlands, and coastal habitats.  Before joining the team at DNCR, Sara 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.  Sara 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.

Sara 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.  Sara lives in the maritime forest in Dare County with her partner, their girls, and a pack of dogs and cats. She enjoys exploring North Carolina and beyond in her campervan, practicing fledgling pottery skills, and fishing and relaxing along the Outer Banks.