Michaela Owens

Background

About Michaela Owens

I am a passionate professional working to protect and conserve the sagebrush steppe of Wyoming. I completed my Master's in Natural Resource Stewardship with a specialization in ecological restoration at Colorado State University in May 2022. I am currently working for the Nature Conservancy as a Native Plant Scientist Lander, WY. In this position I am working to increase the supply of native, locally adapted seeds for restoration and reclamation in the sagebrush steppe ecosystems of Wyoming. I am doing this by studying native species that are desirable for restoration. The goal of this research is to characterize their seed dormancy if present, test their suitability on restoration sites. I am also building relationships with partners to establish a robust seed supply chain through the Wyoming Native Seed Partnership (WYSP). Prior to working at the Nature Conservancy I have dabbled in many areas of conservation from rangeland monitoring to trail building, fisheries to disturbance restoration. This breadth of experience has provided me with insight into the various issues facing our ecosystems today and an understanding of the need to work together across these intersecting disciplines to address the climate and biodiversity crises. Prior to working in conservation I took a different approach to protecting our plant and the well-being of all living creatures through work in sustainable transportation planning and program management. As the Bicycle Recycling Program Manager at the University of Colorado I was responsible for the management of our bike parking facilities on campus and provided sustainable and affordable alternative transportation options for the students. I also worked at a community bike nonprofit as an outreach advocate, teacher, and mechanic and through these positions provided access to affordable transportation to under served people in the community.