About Us

John grew up in the small town of Hamilton, Texas, spending any free time he had outdoors. From setting lines in the river to hunting, he was always looking for an excuse to be outside. He graduated from Hamilton High School in the spring of 2022 and then took a summer staff position with Texas Brigades, traveling across Texas and learning from biologists about wildlife management. This opened his eyes to natural resource management as a career. He studied for a year at McLennan Community College before transferring to Sul Ross State University. After graduating with his undergraduate degree, he was offered a graduate position. The great community of professors and staff in NRM and BRI made the decision an easy yes.

Woody encroachment, invasive species expansion, and soil erosion have contributed to habitat and grassland degradation across the Chihuahuan Desert. This has led to declines in native grasses and forbs, reduced biodiversity, and limited ecological function. John’s research evaluates a combination of soil moisture retention techniques and vegetation establishment methods to reestablish native vegetation in southern Brewster County. These techniques include low-impact near-surface tillage, biochar, biodegradable soil erosion blankets, and reseeding with native grasses and forbs. The study evaluates five treatments combining these techniques in different ways, with treatments established in relatively flat ephemeral runoff areas. An increase in native vegetation is expected to boost ecosystem services and processes and increase wildlife habitat. His results will provide practical guidance for range practitioners and land stewards seeking to reestablish native vegetation in arid systems.