Antonio Hornstein
Wetland Biologist / Environmental Scientist
A member of Swallowtail’s Wetland and Stream Mitigation Banking Division beginning in 2020, Mr. Hornstein assists in the monitoring and management of 11 existing wetland and stream mitigation banks across Missouri and eastern Kansas as well as several other habitat restoration projects. He has also conducted rain garden and stormwater BMP performance and compliance inspections in the St. Louis area.
EDUCATION:
Bachelors in Environmental Studies, Saint Louis University Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, 2020
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS:
Member, Society of Wetland Scientists Central Chapter
Certified LEED Green Associate #11298196-GREEN-ASSOCIATE (Rainwater Management and Hydrology Infrastructure)
Chair, Green Billikens Renewable Energy Working Group, 2017-2018
SELECTED RELEVANT PROJECT EXPERIENCE INCLUDES:
Nishnabotna / Platte EDU Umbrella Mitigation Bank Site 1: Castile Creek – Buchanan County, Missouri – Mr. Hornstein has assisted with the monitoring of the site through soil sampling, evaluation of hydrology and vegetation, data analysis, and preparation of a written report. This information will help in the evaluation and management of a 291-acre restoration area which legally protects one or both sides of 1.9 miles of perennial rivers, restores floodplain connectivity to 150 acres of previously leveed land along the Platte River and Castile Creek, and restores or enhances over 250 acres of herbaceous wetlands, forested wetlands, and riparian buffers.
Jowler Creek Deciduous Forest Mitigation Site – Platte County, Missouri – This 22-acre restoration site is converting agricultural areas to native forest which will expand existing floodplain and hillside woods adjacent to the Missouri Department of Conservation’s Platte Falls Conservation Area. Mr. Hornstein assists in this effort by monitoring and documenting tree and shrub survival through the early stages of restoration.
Smith Creek Wetland and Stream Mitigation Bank – Moniteau County, Missouri - Mr. Hornstein assisted in the monitoring of this mitigation bank with a specific focus on the site’s upland buffers, vegetation analysis, and tree and shrub survival rates. This 175-acre mitigation bank includes more than 60 acres of high-functioning wetlands and protects more than a half mile of Smith Creek on both sides as well as a mussel bed. In addition, the first recorded population of smallmouth salamanders in the county was observed at this location.
Crane Creek Wetland and Stream Mitigation Bank – Stone County, Missouri – This 172-acre site is located only a few miles downstream of a blue-ribbon trout area and consisted of removing cattle from a property and planting roughly 72 acres of riparian forests along two perennial streams. Additionally, 1,200 linear feet of a perennial spring-fed channel was restored that is now used by fish, amphibians, and beavers. Additionally, more than 10 acres of wetlands, including some that receive hydrology from a groundwater seep, a notable amount for the Ozarks. Mr. Hornstein is assisting the monitoring of the site through the acquisition, analysis, and presentation of data related to tree and shrub survival, plant identification, hydric soil analysis, and wetland hydrology.
Onion Creek Eastern Spotted Skunk Critical Habitat Restoration Site – Montgomery County, Kansas – Mr. Hornstein is contributing to the restoration of 25 acres of eastern spotted skunk habitat through monitoring the native prairie and scrub-shrub habitats that are becoming established. This site also provides additional habitat elements favored by spotted skunks such as fallen trees, dead stumps, and brush piles.