David Ray

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Profile

The Conservancy's Dave Ray examines pine-tree mortality following a "hot" growing-season prescribed fire at Nassawango Creek Preserve, Maryland. © Daniel White/TNC

Conservation Forester

Salisbury, Maryland

Brief Biography

David oversees forest management and restoration at Nassawango Creek Preserve on Maryland's Eastern Shore. His ongoing projects include restoring more natural oak-pine forest on legacy pine plantations, savanna habitat on ancient dune sites and Atlantic white-cedar wetlands. He also participates in fire management and works with the state on management projects that cross property lines between Nassawango and the Chesapeake Forests.

David on Why His Work Is Rewarding

“It’s great to have a land base that’s Conservancy owned. I like the flexibility that we have to experiment with different approaches to forest management without having to jump through a lot of bureaucratic hoops. We discuss plans and make sure we have solid science behind our proposals, but as a group we’re pretty nimble. You find out what actually works and are able to scale up, or back, within shorter time frames.”

Program Benefits

Improving forest health and diversity
Restoring natural habitats and systems
Sustaining forest-based livelihoods

David’s Hopes for the Next 3-5 Years

Build on progress to advance restoration of oak-pine forests, xeric dunes and Atlantic white-cedar wetlands
Expand research and develop more partnerships with academic researchers
Expand conservation forestry to areas such as Nanjemoy Creek

Recent Opinions and News Coverage

Nassawango Restoration Benefits Forest and Family Business

Key Program Partners

Department of Natural Resources, especially Chesapeake Forests
Vision Forestry LLC and other local forestry businesses

Credentials

Research experience at Tall Timbers Research Station and Woods Hole Research Center
M.S., State University of New York, College of Environmental Science and Forestry
B.S., University of Maine