Katherine Lautar
Katherine Lautar is the Executive Director of Baltimore Green Space, an urban land trust dedicated to protecting and managing small neighborhood forests, also known as forest “patches.” Under her leadership, the organization has grown from a focus on community gardens to a nationally recognized model for urban forest conservation. Katherine has overseen the expansion of programs that integrate research partnerships, technical assistance, community organizing, and policy advocacy, helping cities across the United States understand and preserve their green spaces. Since becoming Executive Director in 2019, she has quadrupled the nonprofit’s annual budget, expanded staff, diversified the board, and tripled the number of community members engaged in BGS programs.
Katherine’s career is grounded in a commitment to social and environmental justice. Beginning as an educator and community organizer, she worked with at-risk youth, facilitated urban art and gardening programs, and participated in anti-racism training through the Theater of the Oppressed. These experiences shaped her understanding of conservation as inherently connected to human well-being and equity. She serves on numerous advisory boards and networks, including the Green Space Equity Advisory Board, the Forest in Cities Network, and the Baltimore City Climate Action Plan Technical Advisory Committee, where she brings her expertise in urban environmental policy and community engagement.
Outside of her professional work, Katherine is a creative and passionate artist. She writes and sings in the folk/Americana genre, and she is a published poet and painter. Her commitment to both community and the environment reflects a lifelong dedication to empowering others, fostering collaboration, and demonstrating how cities can serve as living laboratories for sustainability and social change.
• Lesley University - M.S.
• Aileen Hughes Award
• Enquiry by Design
• Forest in Cities Network
• City of Baltimore
• Forever Maryland
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my drive and success to a belief in a greater purpose—what some might call faith or God. Equally important, I’ve been fortunate to have incredible mentors throughout my journey. These were individuals brave enough to lead by example, to guide me, and to challenge me when needed.
Many of my mentors, the majority of whom were women, saw potential in me and generously shared their lessons, their insights, and even their networks. They helped me course-correct when necessary and opened doors that I might not have reached on my own.
Beyond mentorship, I’ve been privileged to spend time with truly remarkable leaders—people whose vision, resilience, and integrity have inspired me to grow and to lead with purpose. Their influence has shaped not only my career but also the way I strive to uplift and empower others along the way.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
The best advice I can give to young women entering this industry is simple: don’t listen to anyone who tells you that you can’t. Instead, use doubt or criticism as fuel to drive you forward. Believe in your capabilities, stay persistent, and let your passion guide your path.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The most important values to me in both my work and personal life are authenticity, creativity, and connection. I strive to lead and live with integrity, to uplift others, and to approach every experience with curiosity and openness.
Outside of work, I am deeply passionate about the arts. I am an abstract painter, a singer-songwriter, and I sing in a gospel choir. I also love writing—poetry and songs in the folk and Americana genres—and I am a published poet. Nature is another source of inspiration for me; I enjoy hiking, spending time outdoors, and simply being surrounded by trees. These creative pursuits and experiences in nature help me stay grounded and fuel my personal and professional growth.