Reid Austin started at the Ventura Land Trust as a Land Steward in August of 2026. Reid grew up on the Big Island of Hawai’i in a family of artists, surfers, and climbers, finding a love and sense of stewardship for the outdoors early on. After moving to Oregon to pursue an art and design degree at University of Oregon, Reid spent three years living in Portland where he worked in the outdoor goods industry. Realizing he didn’t want to spend another cold, wet, winter in the PNW and wanting to be closer to more consistent surf, Reid headed south for what would become a year and a half of living in his truck chasing surf and sun, ultimately ending up in Ventura.

During this time his love for the outdoors culminated in a seasonal position as an assistant crew leader on a trail crew in Idaho’s Payette National Forest for the Montana Conservation Corps where he discovered a passion for trail work and conservation field work. After returning to Ventura he was brought on as a supervisor for the Ojai C.R.E.W. where he helped young adults find their passion for working in the outdoors through a variety of fuel reduction, weed abatement, restoration, and trail projects. While with the C.R.E.W., Reid also led the five person crew that played a crucial role in the brushing, construction, and finishing of the 101, Bruce’s, and 102 trails at Ventura Hills Nature Preserve.

Nowadays, you can find Reid working on public access projects, leading volunteer clean ups in the Willoughby Preserve, and helping out with the conservation field team while at work. Outside of work you can find him searching for uncrowded waves or working on his creative practices.