Invasive Species Control Program Manager, Isaac Ostmann
In order for native plants and wildlife to thrive throughout the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks, invasive plant species must be closely monitored and removed before they quickly spread and degrade the surrounding habitat. This work is imperative to ensure that native plant species have the space and resources needed to thrive so that the wildlife that rely upon them for food or habitat are also able to thrive. For this reason, Irvine Ranch Conservancy is grateful to have paramount team members, like the Program Manager of Invasive Species Control, Isaac Ostmann.
Prior to joining Irvine Ranch Conservancy, Isaac worked with California State Parks to oversee invasive plant removal, habitat restoration and monitor rare and endangered species. Isaac joined IRC in 2008 and spent years working with the Habitat Restoration and Enhancement team to create and protect healthy and functional habitat throughout the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. Having worked at IRC for 14 years, Isaac has always been drawn to the satisfaction that comes from working on the land and seeing the direct results of his labor. Some efforts have immediate results, such as removing and bagging patches of Sahara mustard alongside volunteers or mowing degraded habitat to prepare it for restoration, while other projects have taken more than a decade for Isaac to see flourish.
Prior to joining Irvine Ranch Conservancy, Isaac worked with California State Parks to oversee invasive plant removal, habitat restoration and monitor rare and endangered species. Isaac joined IRC in 2008 and spent years working with the Habitat Restoration and Enhancement team to create and protect healthy and functional habitat throughout the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. Having worked at IRC for 14 years, Isaac has always been drawn to the satisfaction that comes from working on the land and seeing the direct results of his labor. Some efforts have immediate results, such as removing and bagging patches of Sahara mustard alongside volunteers or mowing degraded habitat to prepare it for restoration, while other projects have taken more than a decade for Isaac to see flourish.
One of Isaac’s favorite responsibilities includes conducting post fire habitat assessments on the reserve, visiting the burn scars to evaluate the impact a fire has had and observe the land immediately after a fire. Though the lands often look other-worldly after fires, Isaac loves witnessing the land come back to life over the course of a few seasons. Another IRC project that still stands out to Isaac took place ten years ago and involved using a helicopter to visit invasive plant populations that were difficult to access from any reserve roads. “It felt like getting dropped off behind enemy lines for special operations,” says Ostmann, “except the targets were artichoke thistle and pampas grass!”
With the help of volunteers, Isaac and the IRC team will soon be walking and observing the miles of dozer lines that were put in place to control the recent Bond and Silverado Fires in Orange County. The team will be looking for any priority invasive plants that may have grown from the land disturbance and see how the lines are recovering post fire.
The work done by Isaac and the Invasive Control team can take years to see progress but is so important to the wellbeing of the ecosystems on the Landmarks. When he isn’t busy roaming the trails in Irvine Ranch’s open space or exploring the land off-trail, Isaac enjoys playing with his kids and composing songs for his soul band. To learn more about invasive control work and ways to get involved with Isaac and the team, visit IRConservancy.org, LetsGoOutside.org or follow the Landmarks on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
With the help of volunteers, Isaac and the IRC team will soon be walking and observing the miles of dozer lines that were put in place to control the recent Bond and Silverado Fires in Orange County. The team will be looking for any priority invasive plants that may have grown from the land disturbance and see how the lines are recovering post fire.
The work done by Isaac and the Invasive Control team can take years to see progress but is so important to the wellbeing of the ecosystems on the Landmarks. When he isn’t busy roaming the trails in Irvine Ranch’s open space or exploring the land off-trail, Isaac enjoys playing with his kids and composing songs for his soul band. To learn more about invasive control work and ways to get involved with Isaac and the team, visit IRConservancy.org, LetsGoOutside.org or follow the Landmarks on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
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