The purpose of this project is threefold. To restore approximately four hundred acres of introduced pasture in Union County, South Carolina back to native grasses and forbs, to provide outreach and education on native ecosystems, and to discuss and demonstrate methods of managing the grazing of domestic livestock while creating and maintaining habitat for grassland birds. Outreach and education will be provided during the preparation and establishment of native grasses on the site. There will also be opportunities for demonstration workshops. These workshops will deal with prescribed burning, silvopasture practices, prescribed grazing, and wildlife habitat management.The US Forest Service will demonstrate prescribed burning techniques and discuss and provide chemical site preparation.The USDA-NRCS has approved an agreement for the SC Department of Natural Resources, Clemson Extension and the National Wild Turkey Federation to develop and implement a conservation plan. They will also monitor the planting and establishment of the native grasses and forbs at the site. Duke Energy has provided an agreement that will assist with purchasing the native grass and forb seeds.Hands-on workshops will be held both during and after the native prairie restoration for groups that include farmers, ranchers, and the general public. These workshops will enhance the assimilation and adoption of grazing land and wildlife habitat management.
Oral presentation and poster titles, abstracts, and authors from the Society for Range Management (SRM) Annual Meetings and Tradeshows, from 2013 forward.