Staff Spotlight: Chris Eljenholm

One of the main missions of Irvine Ranch Conservancy (IRC) is to restore, protect and enhance the ecological health of urban wildlands. None of this would be possible without the dedicated individuals who work behind the scenes on the conservation and revitalization of the Landmarks. To ensure success, team members like Chris Eljenholm of the Monitoring and Research team work tirelessly collecting data, monitoring trends, updating technology and more. We are truly appreciative of invaluable team members like Chris who contribute to our success!

How long have you worked for IRC?

I have worked at Irvine Ranch Conservancy for a little over three years, moving up to my Program Coordinator role within the Monitoring and Research team. 

What did you do in your career before working for IRC?

I attended CSU Monterey Bay, where I earned a degree in Biology with a minor in Statistics. After college, I worked at the Ocean Institute as an outdoor education instructor and overnight administrator, leading student field trips focused on ecology and local history. I then spent a few years as a consulting biologist, conducting nesting bird surveys, preparing biological technical reports and assisting with permitting and The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) documentation.

Can you give us a short summary of your current job duties?

I’m currently a Program Coordinator on the Monitoring and Research team. I primarily coordinate our Avian Point Count program, which is largely volunteer-led. I also help manage communications and logistics for our raptor nesting surveys.

Beyond that, I analyze data from a variety of our wildlife monitoring projects to identify trends across the landscape. I also help design and run AI-based tools that improve our operational efficiency, mainly in camera trap and bird audio detection work.

I support additional monitoring programs, including butterfly surveys, GSOB/ISHB tracking, Spadefoot Toad monitoring and summer research partnerships with outside researchers. I’m also one of our certified drone pilots and recently joined the Tech Team here at IRC.

What is the value of monitoring wildlife on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks?

Monitoring wildlife helps us stay in tune with environmental changes and adapt our stewardship accordingly. It gives us insight into the effectiveness of our restoration efforts, helps detect declines in sensitive species and informs policies that support native wildlife. Without consistent monitoring, we’d be managing the land without knowing whether our efforts are truly making a difference.

What drew you to a career at IRC?

I was drawn to IRC because I wanted to contribute directly to land management focused on conservation. I was also excited by the opportunity to work with long-term ecological datasets and apply data analysis to uncover meaningful patterns. And of course, I was thrilled to regularly work in what I think are the most beautiful places in Orange County.

Do you have a favorite Landmark or trail? Or is there an area that you’re excited to explore on the Landmarks?

My favorite area is southeast Limestone Canyon. I lead an Avian Point count route along Hangman’s Tree Road, past the East and West Sinks, and out to Box Springs. The Avian diversity there is incredible, and I love seeing how the species composition changes with the seasons.

What do you like to do outside of work for fun?

I enjoy spending time at our local beaches surfing and free diving. I also love getting out to the Eastern Sierras: backpacking in the summer and snowboarding in the winter. At home, I enjoy cooking and playing video games.

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IRC is grateful for Chris’s exceptional contribution to the Monitoring and Research team, ensuring the organization’s success in land management. Chris, we sincerely appreciate your commitment and tireless efforts. Thank you for all that you do!