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Staff Spotlight: Isaac Ostmann, Invasive Species Control Program Manager

4/12/2023

 
Picture
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.

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.

René Miller
4/14/2023 08:12:55 pm

I love this man. I consider him my IRC nephew. Even though I have never told him this, I hope he wouldn’t be surprised at the fact that I have deep feelings for him. I respect him. I admire the work he does. I cherish the many ways he has touched my life. While out on the Landmarks, his calm yet positive energy is a force. I am grateful for the opportunities he provided me to be off-trail on the Landmarks-searching for Sahara mustard or GSOB evidence, collecting seeds, planting acorns as well as Tecate cypress, surveying the fire-scarred landscape and sharing wonderful artifacts that he discovered had been uncovered. Isaac’s ease in sharing his knowledge always impressed me. The knowledge he shared made me love the Landmarks more.

Thank you for highlighting Isaac and giving me the chance to express my gratitude. Sending hugs to him and his beautiful family from across the continent. ❤️♾


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    Welcome to the Irvine Ranch Conservancy "News from the Field" blog. These articles are written by Conservancy staff about activities and projects in and near the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. 

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  • Home
    • Landmarks Blog
  • What We Do
    • Programs >
      • Habitat Restoration and Enhancement
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      • Invasive Species Control
      • Plant Materials
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      • Volunteer Management
    • Where We Work
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      • Meet the Team
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