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Sara Childs Named New Director of Duke Forest

Effective April 1, Childs takes over for Judd Edeburn

Sara Childs, at right, leads a tour group through Duke Forest. Beginning April 1, Childs will act as director of the Forest. Photo courtesy of Sara Childs.
Sara Childs, at right, leads a tour group through Duke Forest. Beginning April 1, Childs will act as director of the Forest. Photo courtesy of Sara Childs.

Following a national search, Duke has announced that Sara Childs will become the next director of the 7,060-acre Duke Forest.

Childs, who has worked with Duke Forest since 2011, currently serves as program director. She'll succeed long-time resource manager Judd Edeburn beginning April 1. Edeburn has worked at Duke for 35 years, all of them as resource manager of the Forest.

"Sara was impressive from day one, and it was obvious from our first staff meeting how capable she was and how well she matched what we needed in our office," Edeburn said. "She has an ability to look at the big picture, think strategically and see where we need to go."

In her new role, Childs will expand many responsibilities she currently handles, including facilitating and coordinating teaching and research activities at Duke Forest. The Forest, which was founded in 1931, provides a natural space for research focused on forested and aquatic ecosystems. It covers portions of Durham, Orange and Alamance counties.

"I'm excited to lead the forest in all the diverse roles it plays as an asset to the university and the community," Childs said. "I'm eager to pursue strategic and creative new ways to expand the forest's mission as a teaching and research facility."

Childs previously worked as an environmental management program fellow for the U.S. Army Environmental Command and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at the North Carolina Sandhills Conservation Partnership. She also served as an ecosystem restoration intern with the Southern Appalachian Forest Coalition and a research assistant/laboratory manager at Harvard Medical School.

Childs holds a bachelor's degree in animal science from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst and a master's degree in ecosystem science and management from the Nicholas School of the Environment.

"Sara has served as Forest program director for almost three years and she is well prepared to lead the Forest in its teaching, research and recreational missions," said Tallman Trask, Duke's executive vice president.

Edeburn will continue to remain involved with Duke Forest as a part-time project manager for about a year until retirement.