Our Story

As a dedicated professional with over 20 years experience in ecological restoration and natural resource management, Ryan brings a comprehensive skill set to the restoration of shorelines, woodlands, savannas, prairies, and wetland ecosystems. He specializes in applying scientifically-backed methods to enhance biodiversity, improve land quality, and ensure sustainable land management practices.  With a commitment to the highest quality of services, he is also highly trained in environmental safety, fire management, and risk assessment.

Certifications & Qualifications:

• Commercial Pesticide Applicator – Illinois Department of Agriculture
  
• Pesticide Operator, Commercial – Illinois Department of Agriculture
   
• S-130 – Wildland Firefighter Training – National Wildfire Suppression Association
   
• S-190 – Wildland Fire Behavior – National Wildfire Suppression Association
   
• Chicago Wilderness Prescribed Fire Course – National Wildfire Coordinating Group
   
• Basic First Aid & CPR – American Red Cross
  
• Commercial Driver's License (CDL) – Illinois Secretary of State
   
• IS-100b – Introduction to Incident Command System – FEMA
   
• OSHA 10-Hour Certification – OSHA Safety Training Institute
  
• Park Safety Inspector – Park District Risk Management Agency (PDRMA)
   

Key Skills:

• Ecological Restoration: Expertise in restoring degraded landscapes, including woodlands, savannas, and wetlands. I focus on biodiversity enhancement, native plant restoration, and habitat regeneration.
   
• Native Plant Management: Skilled in identifying and restoring native plant communities to improve ecological resilience and land productivity.
   
• Wetland Management: Knowledge of wetland ecosystems, focusing on hydrology, soil conditions, and plant species critical for wetland restoration and preservation.
   
• Fire Management: Trained in prescribed fire techniques to manage fire-dependent ecosystems, improve habitat quality, and reduce wildfire risks.
   
• Safety Training & Risk Assessment: Experience in conducting safety training, managing operational risks, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations in field operations.
   

Professional Experience:

• Proven track record in ecological restoration projects, particularly in woodlands, savannas, and wetland habitats.
• Extensive experience in pesticide application, managing invasive species, and ensuring the safe use of chemicals in land restoration efforts.
• Hands-on involvement in wildfire management, including prescribed fire execution and fire risk assessment.
• Expertise in construction management for ecological projects, ensuring safe and effective site preparation and restoration work.

Approach to Ecological Restoration:

I am committed to creating sustainable, resilient ecosystems by applying a combination of scientific knowledge and practical fieldwork. My approach involves using native plant species, integrating fire management where appropriate, and working closely with local communities to ensure the long-term success of restoration efforts.

Whether it's restoring habitats for wildlife, improving soil and water quality, or mitigating the impacts of invasive species, I bring the technical knowledge and hands-on expertise to achieve your restoration goals safely and effectively.