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EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
Isaac Ostmann
Resource Steward
Isaac Ostmann is a Resource Steward for Irvine Ranch Conservancy’s Science and Stewardship team. Isaac implements field operations associated with habitat restoration, erosion control, weed control, species and habitat monitoring, and fire and fuels management. He also leads staff and volunteer work crews during stewardship projects out on the land. “I'm truly excited about working on the Irvine Ranch wildlands,” says Isaac. “Having grown up in Orange County and spent a lot of time hiking in the open spaces here, I feel especially devoted to working on this magnificent land. Believe it or not, I'm excited about chainsaws and weed whackers, and I expect to be using them a lot. I'm also fascinated by fire and its effects on the land and application for restoration. Discovering local flora has always been a special interest of mine as well." Prior to IRC, Isaac worked for the State parks as a seasonally paid Environmental Service Intern, while there he was responsible for implementing restoration projects, controlling invasive flora and fauna, erosion control, trail maintenance and monitoring rare and endangered species. He also worked intensely on restoring coastal sage scrub and riparian habitat in and around the future El moro campground. “In the short time that Isaac has been with IRC, he has already led five volunteer land stewardship activities, utilized his expertise in local flora to ground truth vegetation maps and added phenology information to our species lists,” says Dr. Megan Lulow, IRC Senior Field Ecologist. “He has also initiated site preparation activities at three restoration areas, is working with IVG to prepare our wildland drill seeder for this winter; and is designing plans for a small native plant farm for habitat restoration. He has been a great team player and is an asset to our work on the land.” Isaac has a bachelor’s in American Studies from the University of California Santa Cruz. He also studied abroad in Auckland, New Zealand and has Certificates in Naturalist Training, Docent Program and Ecological Restoration. Isaac loves music and even plays the guitar, bass and drums. He has been to Europe, Thailand and New Zealand and would love to travel more. For more information about IRC staff visit: www.irconservancy.org/about/ourteam.aspx
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