Nara Baker
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Nara Baker is an urban forestry consultant with a strong track record of advancing equitable, large-scale urban forest initiatives. She brings a comprehensive understanding of how to integrate tree programs into city operations, combining technical arboriculture expertise with strategic planning, budget management, and cross-sector collaboration. Nara’s work is grounded in the belief that urban forests are critical infrastructure—improving environmental health, strengthening communities, and enhancing quality of life, particularly in underserved areas.
Prior to joining Urban Canopy Works (UCW), Nara served as the City Arborist for the City of San José, where she lead the city’s Urban Forestry program and oversaw a multidisciplinary team responsible for tree maintenance, planting, and inspection. She managed a multi-million-dollar operating budget alongside a federally funded initiative focused on expanding tree canopy, workforce development, and community outreach in disadvantaged neighborhoods. She supervised inspection staff, coordinated contractors and nonprofit partners, and facilitated stakeholder engagement through the Community Forest Advisory Committee. Her experience also includes managing large-scale tree inventories, conducting risk assessments, and aligning urban forestry practices with municipal policies and budgets. |
Before her work in local government, Nara served as Deputy Director at Our City Forest, where she oversaw urban forestry programs, managed grants and contracts across multiple jurisdictions, and led teams of staff and AmeriCorps members. Earlier roles as Community Nursery Manager and Urban Forestry Specialist further strengthened her expertise in plant production, volunteer engagement, and community-based environmental stewardship. Across all of her positions, Nara has demonstrated a commitment to building resilient urban ecosystems, fostering partnerships, and delivering programs that create lasting environmental and social impact.
Nara is known for her ability to tackle projects and get things done, and done well. |
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AWARDS & CERTIFICATIONS
ISA Certified Arborist, Urban Forest Professional #WE-412052AM EDUCATION & TRAINING
Municipal Forestry Institute (MFI) Graduate 2024 BA in Geography, Clark University (Worcester MA) |
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