About Us

We are a group of highly motivated individuals who have come together for work that we find challenging, enjoyable, and purposeful.  Our backgrounds include private sector, government, and non-profit work, with a focus on land use planning, design, and conservation.  Our work has contributed to land being set aside in perpetuity for conservation, the restoration of public and private properties, and the creation of sustainable land use policy.

We share a mutual love and curiosity for the natural world, site heritage, and innovative thinking.  We find a symbiotic relationship between creativity and analysis in each project that comes across our plant-filled, host-to-various-mushroom-growing-experiments desks.

Our Team

Jonathan Ogren, Principal, Ecological & Conservation Planner

Jonathan founded Siglo Group in 2006 to help clients integrate natural systems into land planning and design. He specializes in environmental assessment, regional analysis, conservation planning, mapping, and land use feasibility studies. He is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin with an M.A. in Geography and the Environment and a B.A. in Biology. He is now on the faculty at the University of Texas School of Architecture, where he teaches graduate students to integrate geographic analysis into their research. One of his first professional jobs was with NASA. The experience changed his direction through the realization of how valuable and irreplaceable natural systems are here on this planet. Jonathan also worked at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center and Sequoia National Park and has served on the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan Advisory Task Force. Outside of work, Jonathan can be found running around Lady Bird Lake or hiking the Hill Country with his sons.

Haley Wagoner, Ecological Designer

Haley joined Siglo Group in 2018 shortly after receiving her Master of Landscape Architecture from the University of Texas at Austin. Her background includes a B.S. in Regional Development with minors in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Spanish from the University of Arizona as well as a Certificate in GIS from Portland State University. Before moving to Austin for graduate school, she worked in Portland, Oregon where she was involved in restoration efforts for the endangered juvenile salmonid population passing through the Lower Columbia River Watershed. Her academic and professional experience includes GIS analysis, cartography, environmental design, planning, land survey, on the ground restoration, community engagement and environmental education. Haley loves to spend time outside getting her Vitamin D fix whether she is biking, hiking, running, skiing, or most importantly, floating a beautiful Hill Country River.

Miles Payton, Ecological Designer

Miles joined Siglo Group in 2021 following three years in commercial landscape design in Austin. Miles received his Masters in Landscape Architecture from The University of Texas at Austin in 2018 and his BA in Environmental Studies from the University of California at Santa Cruz in 2011. His skills include landscape design, planting and restoration strategies, construction observation, and construction best practices. He is driven by the need to create biodiverse and resilient ecosystems within our cities for the health and well-being of all. Before moving to Austin, Miles managed an organic farm on the central coast of California, helping supply the Bay Area with organic flowers and vegetables. Miles is convinced two wheels is better than four, and his greatest achievement remains cycling the continental divide from New Mexico to Alberta.

Chris Garza, Ecologist

Chris is a Certified Ecologist, ISA Certified Arborist, and Certified Ecosystem Restoration Practitioner in Training. He also holds a GIS certificate from Texas A&M University where he received a M.S. in Forestry. Chris also has a B.S. in Biology from St. Edward's University. Prior to working at Siglo Group, Chris worked as an environmental scientist and GIS specialist for over 2.5 years at Hollaway Environmental in Houston, Texas. Chris also worked as an applied ecologist for over 3.5 years at the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center during the design and implementation phases of their master plan. Chris has experience in wetland delineation, threatened & endangered species surveys, phase I environmental site assessments, wetland mitigation/restoration, ecosystem restoration, tree surveys, land/ecosystem management, invasive plant removal, herbicide application, and other biological surveys. Some of Chris' other interests include botany, entomology, mycology, foraging, and fermentation. Outside of work, you can usually find Chris rock climbing at some of the local crags.

Laura Brusson, Ecological Designer

Laura is an ecological designer passionate about the interconnectivity of human experience, environmental health, and forming a sense of place. Laura has worn many hats before joining Siglo Group, including conducting research in evolutionary biology, working in ecological restoration, and working on landscape architecture and urban planning projects around the country. Originally from France, Laura holds a Masters in Landscape Architecture from the University of Texas at Austin, where she was awarded the ASLA Certificate of Honor. She has recently moved back to Austin after spending time in the northeast and can be found soaking the Texas sun doing yoga outdoors, swimming at Barton Springs, or taking her small dog on long walks.

Shana Shapiro, Conservation Planner & GIS Analyst

Shana joined Siglo Group in 2023 as a conservation planner passionate about geospatial analysis, conservation, and environmental design. She graduated with her Masters in Environmental Management and a certificate in Geospatial Analysis from Duke University in 2022 and her B.A. in Biology and Environmental Studies from Colgate University in 2019. Shana grew up in Upstate New York, and before Siglo she worked in conservation GIS in North Carolina, a land trust in Idaho, and environmental education in the Sierra Nevada. Living and working in a variety of ecosystems and communities inspired her to learn more about the interdisciplinary nature of her work and personal interests. Shana often finds fun in movement outside and can usually be found rock climbing, trail running, or cycling in her free time.

Joe Berek, Ecological Designer

Joseph joined Siglo Group after graduating from The University of Texas at Austin. His background includes a B.S. in agriculture business and management with a horticulture specialization from Texas State University, as well as a degree in welding technology from Austin Community College. Joseph was born and raised in Austin, TX, just a stones-throw from the Barton Creek Greenbelt. Growing up surrounded by access to nature instilled Joseph with an appreciation of natural systems that has carried over into both his professional career and personal life. His experience includes natural area management, environmental design, organic gardening, and community education. When he’s not saving the planet at work, Joseph can usually be found exploring the outdoors, playing music, and spending time with his family and friends.

Sandra Bustillos, Field Technician

Sandra joined Siglo Group in 2022 after a year of teaching in Oregon. Originally from El Paso, she holds a B.S. in Environmental Science from The University of Texas at Austin and has previous work experience in outdoor recreation, gardening, and ecological research. She’s passionate about conservation, nature-based education and finding ways to increase inclusivity and accessibility in natural spaces. When she’s not removing invasive plant species at the Greenbelt, she can be found hiking local trails, shopping (and working) at the farmer’s market, and doodling in her sketchbook.