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Current Research

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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

“Enhancing Women’s Participation in Hunting and Fishing: Examining Program Effectiveness for Increased Retention”

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Despite national declines in hunting and fishing, women are making significant strides in these traditionally male-dominated sports. To support this growing participation, states have implemented programs to recruit, retain, and reactivate hunters and anglers. Women are engaging with these programs and recreational groups to learn new skills and expand their networks. However, little is known about the structure, offerings, and effectiveness of these groups in supporting women.

To explore these questions, we conducted participant observation at nine group events and held 11 focus group discussions with 72 participants across the Mountain-Prairie Region. We transcribed and analyzed the data using thematic analysis to identify key aspects of effective programming. Our findings revealed a diverse range of groups and innovative programs tailored to the evolving needs of women. Women expressed a preference for women-only events with hands-on opportunities, and smaller groups where they felt comfortable asking questions.

This research identifies nine key aspects of programs that enhance women’s self-efficacy and confidence to pursue hunting and fishing independently: adult education, community, quality of instruction, access to gear, courses offered, communication, location, timing, and cost.

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“To Hunt or Not to Hunt: The Complex Decision-Making of Female Hunters”

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Many natural resource managers aim to increase female hunter participation by reducing barriers and creating more accessible pathways. Studies have identified structural barriers and the lack of mentors as key challenges women face in hunting. Feminist researchers have called for a shift in focus from the activity itself to understanding women's experiences in outdoor activities. However, no study has yet contextualized the full decision-making process for female hunters and how various barriers influence their choices.

This study explores the decisions women make when choosing to hunt and how they navigate related challenges. Using a mixed methods approach, we conducted a free list survey (n=50) to identify key decisions, followed by semi-structured interviews (n=22) to explore connections and strategies for overcoming challenges. Results show that gear, household responsibilities, hunting partners, access to land, and preplanning were the top decision points. Additionally, social support and technology emerged as important tools for overcoming barriers. This research provides valuable insights for natural resource managers by highlighting the sociopolitical and cultural factors that influence women’s decision-making in hunting.

​“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

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Resilient Local Food Systems

 “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.

“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.

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Scaling Up the
Native Plant Industry

Project Resources

Women in Hunting and Fishing Artwork
By Jenny Lenard Art

 

JL 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

WHF Present

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.

KUMU

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.

WHF Video
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