Document Type
Article
Publication Date
4-17-2024
Abstract
The tallgrass prairie ecosystem once spanned more than 70 million hectares of what is now the Midwestern United States, including eastern Kansas and western Missouri. Yet, only 4% of the tallgrass prairie remains intact, making it one of the most threatened ecosystems in North America. Two of the most serious threats to the remaining tallgrass prairie are woody encroachment and invasive plant species. Through a new partnership with Prairie State Park, five Pittsburg State University students worked with resource professionals to learn, practice, and apply prairie management techniques. We gained experience in the use of a chainsaw, UTV, ATV, brush cutter, propane torch, and backpack leaf blower for the overall goal of removing invasive red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) from the park. We assisted with winter vegetation management, including woody plant control and a prescribed burn. Our efforts created habitat for wildlife and helped to restore portions of the park that had become degraded due to woody encroachment. This new program collaborates with state agencies and will continue to prepare PSU students for careers in natural resource management and prairie restoration.
Recommended Citation
Stringer, Khloey; Teutsch, Riley; Burrow, Heather; Lawson, Alesha; and Jones, Gabe, "Beyond the Fire: Natural Resource Management Techniques at Prairie State Park." (2024). Posters. 40.
https://digitalcommons.pittstate.edu/posters_2024/40
