Jonathan Blasher
Jonathan Blasher, director of Parks and Nature
Jonathan Blasher’s love of rugged Oregon landscapes has taken him from building shelters as a child growing up on the outskirts of Eugene to building a nonprofit dedicated to play — and, now as director of Metro’s Parks and Nature Department. Blasher took the helm in August 2017 to guide Metro’s work to protect clean water, restore fish and wildlife habitat, and connect people with nature close to home.
Blasher spent most of his career with Playworks, a nonprofit organization that collaborates with schools to create safe, fun and inclusive opportunities for young people to play. After starting as an AmeriCorps program coordinator in California, Blasher went on to launch the organization’s Pacific Northwest chapter in 2009. As executive director he has expanded the chapter’s reach to 150 schools across Oregon, Washington and Idaho, with a focus on at-risk communities. Blasher also serves on the Oregon Parks and Recreation Commission.
A conversation with Jonathan Blasher
Parks and Nature executive team
MG Devereux, deputy director
Dan Moeller, conservation program director
Mychal Tetteh, community services program director