Since becoming President and Director of Restore Native Plants in 2024, James has focused on upholding RNP’s mission while fostering a safe space for growth and healing for both the environment and people. Under his leadership, the RNP team has created invaluable outcomes to revitalize and preserve critical native plant communities. Recent initiatives include a partnership with the New Jersey Department of Agriculture to release three species of parasitic wasps as a biological control to manage the Emerald Ash Borer at Restore Native Plants’ restoration sites.
James’ career in ecology began as an intern at Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge, where he conducted ecological surveying techniques and discovered his passion for native plant propagation, Bog Turtle tracking, and bat conservation. He also served as an AmeriCorps Watershed Ambassador, leading water monitoring and education programs in Northern New Jersey. James received a Bachelor of Science in Ecology and Natural Resources and a Certificate in Environmental Planning from Rutgers University before joining RNP in 2013.
James continued expanding his education, becoming a Certified Arborist with the International Society of Arboriculture and receiving his private pesticide license through the NJDEP. In 2015, the Bergen County Audubon Society recognized James’ commitment to conservation by awarding him the Harold Feinberg Conservation Award.
Beyond his environmental knowledge, James gained an extremely deep appreciation for interpersonal neurobiology and emotional intelligence from Dr. Ben Burton. He credits these skills in building and maintaining the many relationships he has with RNP’s community, his family, and friends.
James has always enjoyed being outdoors and learning more about the natural world. He shares his passion by educating as many people as he can about the importance of NJ’s natural heritage, especially the unique species of flora and fauna in the Highlands region. His hobbies include pursuing his artistic interests dabbling with acoustic guitar or pencil drawings of wildlife and natural landscapes.
Please accept our thanks for your thoughtful gift. We are moved by your generosity.
Your gesture serves as a reminder of the kindness of the American people, and we are grateful for your support of our shared vision for our Nation’s future.
Thank you, again, for your gift. We wish you all the best.
Sincerely,
Dr. Benjamin M. Burton
Oakland, New Jersey
Dear Dr. Burton,
Thank you for sharing your views on energy and environmental policy.
My Administration is strongly committed to environmental protection, including keeping our air and water clean and being good stewards of our environment. This requires all of us to do our part, and I want to thank you for your commitment to preserving our environment for future generations.
As we continue to protect our environment, we must also ensure that American workers have greater opportunities to provide for their families. That is why my Administration is also committed to protecting American workers and American companies from unnecessary regulatory burdens. Going forward, regulations must balance our stewardship of the environment with the needs of a growing economy.
Thank you again for sharing your views. As President, I am committed to unleashing America’s economic potential, while also protecting the environment. I am confident that together we can preserve America’s natural blessings for future generations.
Sincerely,
