Tarleton State University

The Goal of the Proposed Large-scale Comprehensive Initiative Is to Restore Connections With Texas Grasslands Through Research, Education, and Outreach Activities. Along With Land-cover Changes, the Southern Great Plains Region Is Undergoing Cultural Changes, Including Shifts in Population Demographics and Landowner Priorities. to Address These Regional Changes in Land-cover and Stakeholder Demographics and Values, Tarleton State University Proposes a Large-scale, Comprehensive Research, Education, and Outreach Capacity-building Initiative Focused on Vital Grassland Ecosystems and Their Benefits to Society. the Restore Texas Grassland Revitalization Partnership Will Be a Basic and Applied Land Management Partnership Between Tarleton State University, Texas A&m Agrilife Research, and the Botanical Research Institute of Texas That Integrates Student Participation in Developing and Implementing Innovative Approaches to Grassland Restoration, Land Management, and Conservation in a Coordinated Program Centered on Meeting Critical Needs of Landowners While Maximizing Ecosystem Services to Urban and Rural Areas.grassland Research Projects Address the Synergistic Themes of Woody Plant Expansion, Water Resources, and Soil Health, Which Have Been Identified as Top Priorities of Landowners and Grassland Managers in North-central Texas. Research Findings and Applications Will Be Conveyed Through Landowner Natural Resource Outreach Events. This Partnership Addresses the Need for Increased Student Recruitment, Experiential Learning, and Leadership Development Through Participation in Undergraduate Research Experiences, Internships, and Expanded Field-based Exercises in Existing Tarleton Courses. This Program Will Leverage and Expand Ongoing Grassland Research and Outreach by Facilitating and Organizing Communication and Coordination Among Partners While Increasing the Capacity of Tarleton State University to Recruit, Retain, and Educate a Diverse Population of Graduate and Undergraduate Students in Agriculture and Natural Resource Programs.