Ecological Restoration Grounded in Experience
I collaborate with landowners, nonprofits, agencies, and communities to restore forests, prairies, savannas, and wetlands. My work combines assessment, planning, restoration, agroforestry, prescribed fire, native planting, invasive species control, and ecological monitoring to support long-term regeneration and resilience.
With over 20 years of monitoring, planning, and hands-on field experience, I offer thoughtful, site-specific strategies that respond to the land's history, current condition, and future potential. Whether you're stewarding a backyard or a thousand -acre landscape, I bring grounded ecological insight and deep commitment to restoration.
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Located in Columbia Missouri.
Travel throughout the Midwest and beyond.
Ecological Restoration
Soil Health Restoration
Organic Invasive Species Control
Forest Gardening
Agroforestry/Permaculture Design
Lawn Conversion to Natives
Ecosystem Mapping & Inventory
Wildlife Habitat & Nurseries
Old Growth Forest Development
Education & Workshops
Guided Nature Excursions
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Technical Service Provider (TSP)
for the NRCS in:
Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, & Tennessee.
Water Quality Level 1 Monitor for
Missouri Stream Teams.
Testimonials
Homesteading Family in Phelps Co.- November 2024
"You did a great job for us. You really made the whole family more interested in our woodlands. On walks now, someone always points out something that “Josh talked about in the forest management plan”. I love that our kids are interested in trees, plants, and nature! We will definitely contact you to help us with prescribed burns in the future. We are really excited to start those."
Cheryl Marcum, Cedar Co.- December 2023
"We highly recommend Josh. From the NRCS TSP's, in 2022, we selected Josh. It was our good fortune that he agreed. Josh's holistic ecological approach aligned with our values, hopes, and expectations.
He listened to us. We asked him to coach us to mitigate climate crisis, and to set an example to others with similar interests and values. He fully understood, and tailored our Forest Ecology Management Plan to achieve our main objective.
Josh is passionate about forest ecology. We watched him skillfully shoehorn the uncertainties of nature into government-prescribed programs and timelines! He exercised extraordinary patience answering our endless questions throughout the process. Josh's expertise and devotion enables us to be the first in our area to conduct controlled burning for woodland restoration."
Joe Stephens, Boone Co.- December 2024
For our Forest Improvement Plan, Josh provided a thorough and thoughtful proposal after spending significant time listening to my goals and walking our land. The report he provided gave context to every aspect of our farm, including topography, soil composition, and biodiversity, as well as historical information about the area and how the plan can return it closer to that state over time. I was impressed by his holistic knowledge and obvious passion for the woods. As we go into implementation, I'm excited to watch the progress over the life of our plan and beyond.
A restoration ecologist conducting a field survey in native Missouri woodland during winter leaf-off season
Controlled fire in native forest managed by Ancient Ecology to restore oak woodland health and reduce invasives
Photograph of a majestic oak silhouetted against a cloudy sky during a guided nature excursion. This experience encourages observation, reflection, and deeper connection with place. Walks often include discussion of land use history, local ecology, and traditional ecological knowledge.
A restoration ecologist conducting a field survey in native Missouri woodland during winter leaf-off season
Common Services Offered:
Ecological Restoration
Hands-on care to restore ecosystem health & vitality.
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Custom Mapping
Custom maps developed to assist in landscape & ecological interpretation.
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Forest Management Plans
Detailed survey of existing conditions with clear, practical steps for improving the health & vitality of forested ecosystems. Customizable plans & surveys available.
FMP's are developed for the NRCS EQIP. Contract items CAP106 and DIA165.
Burn Plan Development
A guide to lead you to confidence for conducting controlled burning on your property. On-site burn training provided. Certified TSP with the NRCS EQIP to develop burn plans. Contract item DIA160.
Agroforestry/Permaculture/Forest Farming Design & Implementation
Develop regenerative agriculture systems.
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Invasive Species Control
Organic methods to control nuisance plants.
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Soil Rehabilitation
Restore soil health & hydrology.
Road & Trail Development
Trail maintenance & new trail development.
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Training
Support for individuals and groups wanting to learn how to do ecosystem restoration work.
Workshops & Presentations
Provided to hosting groups to teach the science & tending of ecosystems.
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Guided Nature Excursions
Ground quickly into the local landscape. Learn about the ecology and history of local wildlife, geology, soils, flora, & fauna. Whether a local wanting to learn more about home or a visitor interested in getting to know the local ecology, an expert guide can assist.
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Therapeutic Sessions & Retreats
Personal guidance for individuals & groups seeking a deeper connection with nature.
