Terra Virsilas

Terra is a Cities4Forests USA Researcher at the World Resources Institute and the focal point for engagement with Baltimore, Honolulu, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC. She contributes to research products on policy, design, and governance-related issues at the intersection of urban forestry and integrated urban planning.

Prior to joining WRI, Terra pursued her interest in urban watershed ecology and restoration by interning with Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) stream-monitoring division. During her time with DEP, she gained experience in field sampling including benthic macroinvertebrate, amphibian, reptile and fish collection and identification; habitat assessments; physical and chemical data analysis; and geomorphological stream surveying. She worked on compiling data for several stream restoration projects, as well as creating and updating GIS maps for public outreach events and the Maryland Amphibian and Reptile Atlas.

Terra is certified in green infrastructure construction, inspection and maintenance. She holds a B.S. in environmental management from the University of Maryland University College and an M.A. in community planning from the University of Maryland.