We’re fortunate to have Nathaniel “Nat” Draper on our Board of Trustees. He is currently the Executive Director at the Virginia Academy of Science, Engineering, and Medicine, and formerly served as the Director of Education at the James River Association. Prior to both roles, he spent 16 years teaching AP Environmental Science and Earth Science in Henrico County. He brings this wide breadth of experience and unique perspective to our Advancement Committee. In his spare time you’ll find him on the upper James River, gardening, or golfing. Learn more about his background, his thoughts on greenspaces, and more in our Q&A with him below.
Q. When and how did you learn about the work Capital Trees does throughout RVA?
A. I learned about Capital Trees when I was the Director of Education at the James River Association. I was so impressed with the Low Line and how such an amazing spot could help transform Richmonders. I think the Low Line is one of RVA’s gems, it just needed a little polishing.
Q. What inspired you to want to be on the Capital Trees Board?
A. I have lived in Central Virginia for the past 35 years and have seen the city transform in many exciting ways. I see Capital Trees as an organization who transforms, and it inspires me.
Q. What skill set, knowledge, professional experience, or unique perspective do you bring to the Board?
A. I try to be a good listener and bring past experiences from my careers (environmental science teacher, director of education, and executive director of a non-profit) to the board agendas. I believe my 31 years of working in these three different fields help me have a wide range of experiences.
Q. If you have a board role, why did you take on that position?
A. I joined the Advancement Committee because I believe in Capital Trees’ mission and see real value in expanding its visibility. My connections across diverse groups allow me to help build awareness, strengthen partnerships, and support sustainable growth for the organization.
Q. In your own words, why do you think urban greenspaces are a vital resource?
A. First, I believe greenspaces support mental health, reduce stress, encourage physical activity, and create space for social connection. For kids, seniors, and people without easy access to nature, these spaces are often their primary link to the outdoors.
Second, greenspaces cool cities during heat waves, improve air quality, absorb stormwater, reduce flooding, and support urban biodiversity. Trees and vegetation help counteract the urban heat island effect, which is becoming more critical as climate change drives hotter summers and more extreme weather.
Third, access to greenspace is strongly tied to public health outcomes—and yet it’s unevenly distributed. Well-planned urban greenspaces can help address long-standing inequities by bringing environmental and health benefits into underserved neighborhoods. They also make cities more resilient by buffering against climate stresses.
Q. What Capital Trees contribution or project are you most proud of or excited about?
A. I really connect with the Low Line but I am even more excited about where Capital Trees will be in the future. I see great projects ahead for Capital Trees.
Q. What should more people know about Capital Trees?
A. I think one of the best things about Capital Trees is the people that work and volunteer on its projects and programs. The people are what make Capital Trees special.
Q. What do you feel is Capital Trees’ biggest need?
A. I think most non-profits have lots of needs. A lot of time it’s funding constraints or identifying new strategic initiatives that fit the into the mission statement. Other times it is making sure growth occurs organically and that we aren’t rushing into a situation.
Q. What are you most looking forward to in the next year or over your Board Term?
A. I am excited to learn from the different board members and Capital Trees staff. I believe the board and staff are all very talented and each brings unique skill sets to our meetings. I am excited to help serve and I hope that I can be an asset to Capital Trees.
Q. How do you foresee the organization transforming in the coming years?
A. I am so excited to see how Mayo Island will be transformed and how Capital Trees can help. I think Capital Trees can play an amazing role in this transformation and I also see Capital Trees as a community partner that brings many different types of people together. That also excites me!!!
Q. What’s your favorite plant/plot/project of Capital Trees?
A. The Low Line.
Q. What is your favorite public landscape/greenspace?
A. I love the upper James River. I fell in love with a unique section of the river from Buchanan to Arcadia. I have paddled this section at least 25 times and it never disappoints. I love seeing other people enjoying the river in this location – it makes me smile to see people paddling, fishing, tubing and connecting to the amazing greenspace. It is different than the Low Line or other urban parks but it is special to me.
