Sam Leininger

Sam has been the WeedWise program manager since the program began in 2009. He is an ecologist specializing in invasive species management.

Growing up in rural, eastern Oregon, Sam learned the importance of taking care of the land. Weed management was a key part of his rural upbringing.

Sam attended Oregon State University, where he earned an honors Bachelor of Science degree in environmental science. He later went on to earn a Master of Science in ecology from the University of California, Davis, focusing on invasive species ecology and management.

Throughout his career, Sam has worked on many projects, including prairie restoration in the Willamette Valley, rare plant conservation, managing forests, improving fish and wildlife habitats, water quality, prioritization and risk assessment, ecological modeling, along with invasive species ecology.

Sam also enjoys gardening, cooking, cinema, spending time with his family, and the humble art of dorodango.