Conservation Technician - Owner
Current● Natural resource stewardship: Creation and execution of stewardship plans to increase diversity within native plant communities. Operations include vegetation management through cultural, chemical and mechanical methods as well as the implementation of prescribed fire. Timber stand improvement projects, native seed collection and invasive species management are regular work activities. This work entails the operation and maintenance of various equipment such as skid steers, tractors, chainsaws, brush cutters, various herbicide application equipment, fire ignition and extinguishing devices, among others.● Floristic surveys: Proficiency in the identification of plant species in the tallgrass prairie, savanna and forested ecosystems of Iowa. Surveys include documentation of species richness, generalizations of relative abundance and stewardship recommendations. GPS coordinates are provided to clients for species encountered that are of conservation concern or to assist in early detection and eradication of new invasive populations. Surveys have resulted in the discovery of previously unknown remnant prairies and populations of conservative species.