Jason Smith

DIRECTOR OF NORTHERN MANHATTAN PARKS, NYRP

Jason Smith is the Director of Northern Manhattan Parks for the New York Restoration Project (NYRP). In this capacity, he leads the stewardship of parkland and implements projects that enhance the resilience of northern Manhattan communities. Since 2008 he has managed Swindler Cove, a public park developed by NYRP on the shore of the Harlem River. At Swindler Cove, he is currently working to adapt the shoreline to environmental changes through wetland restoration, the construction of an artificial reef, research, and monitoring. His interests include ecological land management and the nexus of design and conservation in cities. His research has focused on urban soils and forest restoration. Before working at NYRP, Jason taught art and design at SUNY Buffalo and Canisius College. He received an MS from Brooklyn College in Earth and Environmental Science and an MFA in Visual Art from SUNY Buffalo.