Current Research
Forests, Food, And
Climate Shocks
Across the world people frequently have to cope with excessive weather, leading to negative effects on people’s food security. With accelerating climate change, the number and magnitude of extreme events will increase. My research in India focuses on how extreme weather events affect people’s food security and which factors could increase people’s resilience.
Women in
Outdoor Recreation
Despite national declines in hunting and fishing, women’s participation in these traditionally male-dominated activities is growing. My research examines how women develop the skills, confidence, and relationships needed to become active hunters and anglers. Working with program leaders and participants, we found that hands-on instruction and accessible programs matter, but peer learning, mentors, and supportive communities are also critical for continued participation. This work identifies the decisions women navigate when hunting, the features of effective educational programs, and gaps in available opportunities. The findings help natural resource agencies and organizations design programs that move women from learning outdoor skills to sustained participation.
“Conservation Planning in South Dakota: Challenges in Collaboration, Climate Information, and Public Participation”
Conservation planning is vital for promoting biodiversity, yet it faces challenges in South Dakota’s endangered prairie ecosystems. This study identified collaboration, public participation, and use of climate data as key to conservation planning. Through interviews with 35 experts and analysis of 53 conservation plans, we found that the lack of a shared vision among agencies led to inefficiencies, while managers often struggled to use climate data effectively. Public engagement methods were also insufficient, with concerns about equitable representation. The study offers recommendations for creating a unified vision, improving climate data use, and fostering more inclusive participation to achieve sustainable conservation outcomes.
Conservation Planing for
Dynamic Futures
Resilient Local Food Systems
“Expanding Native Plants Availability”
As environmental degradation worsens, especially with the impacts of climate change, restoration efforts have intensified, driving a growing need for native seeds. However, there is a global shortage of native seeds, and the native plant market struggles to keep up with demand due to limited knowledge application, outdated techniques, and insufficient local involvement. Our research aims to identify the opportunities within the native seed market to help it expand and meet this rising demand. Through interviews and focus groups with stakeholders, we will explore strategies to strengthen the seed system in support of the Seed Strategy for the Mountain-Prairie Region. Visit their website for more on the Native Plant Initiative.
“Building Resilience in the South Dakota Local Food System”
Resilient local food systems promote human dignity by improving access to nutritious, balanced diets. In South Dakota, the focus on large-scale agriculture has weakened community-centered food systems, reducing local food consumption. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need to revitalize agricultural communities and boost local food use, yet significant investment or policy changes remain lacking. This research explores the importance of resilient local food systems in South Dakota, especially in addressing food deserts and insecurity. We collected data through interviews, focus groups, and observations with local producers, organizers, and other stakeholders to recommend ways to enhance connectivity, diversity, equity, and adaptability in the state's food system.
Scaling Up the
Native Plant Industry
Project Resources
Women in Hunting Project Resources
Women in Hunting Publications
Engaging adult R3 outdoor educational program design to strengthen participation in hunting and fishing
Lauren Redmore, Shelby Isensee, Joshua D. Stafford, and Jennifer Zavaleta Cheek (2026)
Human Dimensions of Wildlife
To hunt or not to hunt: Is it that simple for female hunters?
Hayley Nash Jackson, Lauren Redmore, Christopher A. Cheek, Jennifer Zavaleta Cheek (2026)
Outdoor Recreation and Tourism 53, 101012
Women in Hunting and Fishing Artwork
By Jenny Lenard Art
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Increasing Women’s Participation
in Hunting
Deciphering the Decision-making Process of Female Hunters
Enhancing Women’s Participation in Hunting and Fishing
Women in Hunting and Fishing Presentations
Kumu Map
Although women are increasingly being recruited into hunting and fishing, retention remains a challenge as many need additional support to build skills and confidence. To address this, we developed an interactive social systems map that visually depicts women’s outdoor groups across the Mountain-Prairie Region, which includes Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, and Utah. This map helps women connect with local groups, fostering skill development and community. It also enables program leaders to collaborate with one another and expand offerings tailored to women.
Women in Outdoor Recreation Feature Film
Research has increasingly shown that women have long participated in hunting and fishing, both historically and in contemporary times, challenging the stereotype of these activities as male-dominated. This film focuses on women in hunting and fishing, reflecting the evolving understanding, and highlighting personal stories of empowerment, tradition, and the human connection to nature.
Conservation Planing Project Resources
Local Food System Project Resources
Growing Connections: An Organizational Map of the South Dakota Local Food System
Behind every farmer’s market, community supported agriculture (CSA) share, or local food event is an unseen network of advocates, educators, and support organizations that work to make it all possible. The South Dakota local food system encompasses more than just producers and consumers; it depends on processors, distributors, tribal programs, government agencies, Extension programs, and nonprofit partners that provide essential services, system-wide coordination, and producer and community support. This map visualizes the organizations, efforts, and initiatives in the South Dakota local food system.
Native Seed System Project Resources
Native Seed System Publications
Northern Great Plains Native Seed Strategy
Lora Perkins, Amy Symstad, Jennifer Zavaleta-Cheek, Emily Rohrer, and Krista Ehlert (2024)
International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists
2026 marks the United Nations' International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists, spotlighting the ecosystems that cover more than half of South Dakota's landscape. In this presentation, Elena Friedman shares her research on the resilience of the Northern Great Plains native seed system.