Ayla is a Philadelphia native who joined Riverbend in July 2025. She brought with her a passionfor native plants, habitat restoration, and getting people involved in caring for the land. After studying Environmental Science at Drexel University, she went on to work at places like Natural Lands and Bartram’s Garden, where she managed everything from native nurseries to wetlands and forests. She has spent a good portion of her career working with volunteers and organizing community programming like educational tours and citizen science projects. At Riverbend, Ayla manages the preserve’s habitats and leads volunteer programs that connect the community to nature. Whether it's planting, invasive removal, or trail maintenance, she is always looking for ways to make the land healthier and more welcoming—for wildlife and people alike. Outside of work, you might find her crafting, doing aerial arts, or exploring her own backyard. More than anything, she is excited to connect as many people as possible to nature.
