Media Contact:
Robin Carr, Landis Communications Inc
Email: Redwoods@LandisPR.com | Phone: (415) 766-0927
Dr. Swanston brings more than 25 years of climate science and forest conservation experience to the organization
San Francisco, Calif. (November 11, 2025) — Save the Redwoods League today announced that Chris Swanston, Ph.D., has been named director of science. He fills a key staff position for the League, one of the nation’s first science-based conservation organizations. The League relies on high-quality scientific research to inform its protection and restoration efforts across the coast redwood and giant sequoia ranges. Swanston reports to Paul Ringgold, chief program officer.
Swanston joins Save the Redwoods League after more than 18 years with the USDA Forest Service, where he held various leadership positions focused on climate science, forest ecology and natural resource management. Most recently, he served as associate deputy chief for forest service research and development (January-May 2025) and as the forest service climate advisor (2021-2025), where he acted as the national point of contact for climate change and led the Office of Sustainability and Climate at the agency’s national headquarters.
“Chris brings exceptional scientific and collaborative leadership that will be invaluable to the League’s mission,” said Ringgold. “His leadership at the USDA Forest Service, particularly in climate adaptation and translating complex science into actionable conservation strategies, makes him uniquely qualified to guide the League’s work in this era of dramatic environmental change. We are thrilled to welcome him to the League and look forward to the insight and vision he will bring to protecting and restoring California’s redwood forests for future generations.”
“I’m honored to join Save the Redwoods League at this critical juncture for forest conservation,” said Dr. Swanston. “Redwood ecosystems are remarkably resilient, but they face unprecedented challenges from rapid climate change, severe fire and other pressures. I’m excited to work alongside the League’s talented team and partners to advance science-based conservation strategies that ensure these iconic forests continue to thrive. The League’s legacy of rigorous science and collaborative action aligns perfectly with my commitment to applied, climate-informed conservation, and I look forward to contributing to this vital mission.”
Throughout his career, Swanston has worked extensively on translating climate science into practical conservation and management strategies. Swanston served as director of the Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science (2008-2021), where he pioneered collaborative approaches to help forest managers adapt to climate change across the northern United States. He also directed the USDA Northern Forests Climate Hub (2014-2021), one of 10 regional hubs established to deliver science-based tools and information to help agricultural and forestry producers manage climate risks. As a project leader for the USDA Forest Service Northern Research Station (2018-2021), he managed a research work unit of 40 scientists, practitioners and support staff focused on fire management, climate impacts and adaptation and carbon cycling. His earlier work as a research ecologist (2007-2008) and biogeochemist (2000-2007) established his expertise in forest ecology and carbon cycling.
Swanston earned his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Forest Science from Oregon State University, a Master of Science (M.S.) in Forest Science from Oregon State University and his Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Forest Ecology and Soils from Humboldt State University (now Cal Poly Humboldt). Swanston has an extensive list of published research from throughout his career.
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To schedule an interview, contact Robin Carr at (415) 766-0927 or redwoods@landispr.com.
Tags: 2025, announcement, Press Release, Staff
