Restoration Ecologist Aaron Donato Joins The NAC

In February, we welcomed Aaron Donato to the Natural Areas Conservancy in the role of Restoration Ecologist! Aaron has worked in the environmental field for 18 years, working in many roles such as an arborist, ecologist, and interpreter. 

Prior to entering this role, Aaron was an environmental educator at the Taconic Outdoor Education Center in Putnam County, and was program coordinator of the Hudson Valley Corps of the Student Conservation Association and an arborist working on NYC Parks Tree Planting contracts. 

Read on below to get to know Aaron!

1. What inspired you to work in the environmental field? 

AD: I am a native Brooklynite, who was lucky enough to have a family that nurtured a natural curiosity in the outdoors. Growing up at times without reliable transportation or frequent access to parks outside of the 5 boroughs meant that most of the time, this nurturing took place in natural areas, especially those along Jamaica Bay, such as Marine Park and Dead Horse Bay. Early on I developed a deep connection to these places, and as a proud New Yorker, I have dedicated my career to helping improve the quality, health and resiliency of these places which sometimes fall into neglect, in NYC and across the state. I have always wanted to steward and care for these sacred spaces, so that other young Brooklynites and New Yorkers might have the same enlightening moments I had.  

2. What about the NAC’s mission resonates with you?

These natural areas are places that sometimes need a lot of human intervention because they have faced centuries of human neglect. To restore them and have them act as a place that can be enjoyed by all is a noble mission and one that I hope to work hard to achieve.   

3. What work are you looking forward to accomplishing in 2026?

AD: Working in Prospect, Highbridge, Forest, and Riverside Parks on forest restoration projects. I have been getting to know some of these sites, and am excited to get native plants in the ground. I anticipate some dramatic before and after pictures, and hope that these areas are much improved decades down the road as well.  

4. What’s your favorite park or natural area in NYC?

AD: Quite possibly the most difficult question, and as a certified NYC tour guide in my spare time, please allow me to give one from each borough.  

Fort Wadsworth, Staten Island

My first job in the field, and a great place to see peregrine falcons atop the towers of the Verrazano Bridge.

Marine Park, Brooklyn

Fond early memories at the Salt Marsh Nature Center watching fiddler crabs in the low tide. 

Bayswater State Park, Queens

A NY State Park that feels far from hustle and bustle with opportunities to experience Jamaica Bay.

Fort Tryon, Manhattan

Fascinating topographic features, sweeping Palisades views, and a beautiful alpine garden.

Crotona Park, The Bronx 

A city park with meticulous gardeners that is well-loved and used by the surrounding community. 

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