Where Are They Now: Jason Sprouls

When did you work at the Neighborhood Design Center?

2020-2023

What was your role?

Community Forestry Program Manager

What programs or projects did you work on?

A majority of my time was spent focused on the Prince George’s County street tree program, Right Tree, Right Place.

What was your proudest accomplishment or achievement?

I LOVE NDC!!!!! I miss it so much!!! It is truly tough to give just one answer to this question. Under my direction, I was involved with over 20,000 street trees being planted. The most valuable experience was always in the communities I had the privilege to serve. Empowering people using trees in a meaningful way was so satisfying to me.

Give us a professional update — what are you doing now?

I am about to start a new job with the Cumberland River Compact as the Root Campaign Manger in Nashville, TN. The Root Campaign is a private-public partnership to expand urban tree canopy on private lands, including residential, business, and faith-based sites. The program relies on recruiting neighborhood “Captains” to spread awareness and recruit their neighbors to plant trees.

The best part is — they’re completely free! There are considerations made to environmental justice (which I am excited to build upon based on my experience with NDC) — the program prioritizes historically disenfranchised communities and even rewards volunteers in areas designated as marginalized through stipends.

As a thought leader in the industry, what is your vision for the community, built environment, design industry, etc.?

I genuinely believe trees are amazing. Technology we create always replicates the natural world; in cities we are combating climate change through complex engineering solutions and policy changes.

However, the most simple and cost-effective green infrastructure is trees. Moreover, can be a well of hope to make tangible change. Through inclusion and empowerment, people can lend a voice in visioning out their space and improving the aesthetics and livability using trees. They can be a beacon of hope as we watch them grow.

Now well into your career and the industry, is there advice you might share with others trying to enter the space?

Urban forestry is SO interdisciplinary — don’t be afraid to join the trade (even if you feel like you’re on the outside). It encompasses so many distinct disciplines (forestry, engineering, art, outreach and engagement, and more), and it is strengthened when new perspectives contribute.

I think urban forestry as an industry is optimized as a space when people truly embrace themselves and empower others. Trees touch EVERYONE, and therefore more people and perspectives are needed to connect communities with trees as a resource.