Jonathan Stirling

Community Planning Fellow • 2025

University/College City College

Bio

Jonathan Stirling is in his final year of a Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture at the City College of New York. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations from Staffordshire University in the United Kingdom. Jonathan’s professional journey has taken him from property development projects in Italy to viticulture in the Hudson Valley, with a consistent focus on the relationship between land, sustainability, and human well-being. After completing the NYC Master Composter course, he became deeply invested in expanding access to green space and promoting urban agriculture and horticultural education, particularly for schoolchildren. His recent research includes studies on green roofs for public schools and ties to land among newcomers to New York City from rural areas, exploring how land use can preserve collective memory and foster community resilience. Outside of his academic and professional work, Jonathan enjoys gardening, biking through the city in search of great street food and exploring urban ecology. He is committed to designing restorative, educational, and community-centered green spaces that connect residents to nature, strengthen social bonds, and enhance the overall quality of urban life.