Eric Sprague

Eric Sprague joined the National Audubon Society in 2026 as the director of forest conservation, bringing more than 20 years of experience at the local, state, regional, and national levels. Most recently, he directed the USDA Forest Service’s efforts to help forests adapt to increasing disturbances, including insects, diseases, and invasive plants. Previously, Eric led large landscape forest restoration programs across North America for the non-profit American Forests, including projects in the Rio Grande Valley, Northern Rockies, and Sierra Nevada.

Eric’s overall focus is on integrating science into forest management decisions to ensure America’s forests are resilient to threats from a changing climate and other forest health challenges. His experience also includes directing private landowner forest restoration at the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, implementing market-based conservation with The Pinchot Institute, and assessing forest status and trends with The Conservation Fund. Outside of work, Eric enjoys birding, baseball, and traveling with his family.