Sam Payson joined Northern as Staff Biologist in 1992.

Sam is responsible for oversight and maintenance of natural preserves, lakes, canals, created wetlands, uplands and landscaping throughout the District, and management of the related contracts. Sam graduated from the University of Florida with a bachelor’s degree in forest resources and conservation, with a major in wildlife ecology. Sam has 25+ years of experience in wetlands ecology and the design, establishment, maintenance and monitoring of man-made wetlands. He is also a certified herbicide applicator with 25+ years of experience in the oversight of aquatic and right-of-way weed control in water management systems, and exotic species plant control in natural areas throughout the District and adjacent lands in Palm Beach and Martin counties. His historical knowledge, including work in this area before working with Northern, is invaluable in determining effective environmental management.

Develops budgets and writes contract specifications for Northern work he oversees
Coordinates work performed by Preserve, Aquatic Weed Control, and Marsh Maintenance Contractors
Chair of the Abacoa Greenway Committee. Organizes and leads Greenwalks within the Abacoa Greenway at least five Saturday mornings each year.
Coordinates the District’s Water Quality Monitoring