Erik Nash is the Director of Public Gardens and Landscapes at PHS, where he leads a talented team of horticulturalists and project managers responsible for the installation and maintenance of some of Philadelphia’s most recognizable public green spaces. In this role, Erik works closely with his team and organizational partners to guide the day-to-day work of the department, helping ensure that every garden and landscape PHS manages receives the attention it deserves.
Erik brings a rich multidisciplinary background to his work at PHS, shaped by years of experience in environmental education, ecological fieldwork, forest research, and hands-on landscape practice. That breadth of experience, combined with a deep passion for using the natural world to create positive change, drew him to PHS and has helped drive his growth within the organization. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies with a concentration in Conservation Biology from Warren Wilson College. His early career in environmental education and field-based work shaped his belief that access to green space and a healthy environment is something everyone deserves.
Outside of work, Erik enjoys working with his hands. Whether in the garden, out on the water fishing, in a workshop crafting, or playing ultimate frisbee and hockey, he values the simple pleasure of staying connected to the physical world.