Welcoming Hayley Elszasz to the NAC! 

In April, we welcomed Hayley Elszasz to the Natural Areas Conservancy in the role of Senior Manager for Applied Science and Partnerships. Hayley is a climate resilience professional with experience connecting research to practice through engagement, collaborative research, and partnerships. Before coming to NAC, Hayley was the Climate Science Advisor at the Mayor’s Office of Climate & Environmental Justice in New York City. While there, she managed academic partnerships for climate science, including the New York City Panel on Climate Change and FloodNet NYC. 

Read on below to get to know Hayley!

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

HE: Climate change is the most pressing and interesting challenge we face, and it intersects with all kinds of quality of life issues in the City, like housing, public health, and access to resources. I became interested in the environmental field from a policy angle—specifically, how do we move towards a future where we expand opportunities for collective resilience, rather than exacerbating existing unequal exposure to threats and environmental harms? Working on natural areas offers an opportunity to talk about what we value about the environment around us, and on the other hand, how the environment around us protects us and enhances our lives.

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

HE: I believe that every New Yorker should have access to safe and high quality natural areas for recreation and relaxation. As I’ve learned more about climate resilience, I’ve come to realize that the health of our natural areas is paramount in our efforts to adapt in the face of climate change. Not only are forests, wetlands, and parks important for our health and wellness, but they also do so much work to protect us from the impacts of extreme weather. 

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

HE: I’m looking forward to developing relationships with NAC’s practitioner partners in New York City and nationally (through the Forests in Cities Network). This work takes partnership across all fields: policy folks, foresters, planners, educators, and researchers. I love meeting new people and thinking about how we can work together. 

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

HE: I think that Inwood Hill Park is very unique. It’s special to have access to beautiful forests and plant life so close to significant cultural resources, incredible food, and spectacular views of the Hudson River. 

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