Development of a Strategy to Reach Farmers and Ranchers that are Historically Underserved by Conservation Programs in Texas and Oklahoma Grasslands
Research Location: Graslands of Texas and Oklahoma, USA
Conservation Partners: American Bird Conservancy and the Oaks and Prairies Joint Venture
Student Researcher
Natalie Spage '23, Major: Geology
Project Description
Increasing conservation capacity on private lands is essential for habitat and species conservation in North America. A critical part of this includes engaging historically underserved farmers/ranchers and empowering them to participate in conservation. Filling this gap will require the integration of local knowledge and practices with conservation program practices, consideration of the goals of these communities and how conservation programs can help reach those goals, and review of how conservation programs and organizations can adjust to be more inclusive, diverse, and welcoming to these communities. Achieving this will require expertise and integration across disciplines such as human dimensions; communications and outreach; justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI); conservation programs and organizations; and habitat management for priority species.
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