In the summer of 2023, Mason Huddleston worked with the Missouri Department of Conservation in the Natural History Biology Department, covering 15 counties and building experience in field biology and conservation. He went on to graduate from Truman State University in December 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture. Following graduation, he served as a horticulturalist at Scissortail Park in Oklahoma City, where he contributed to sustainable landscape management and public green space care. He now serves as the Urban Agriculture and Natural Resource Educator for Oklahoma County with Oklahoma State University Extension, providing research-based education and resources to the community.
Woody plant encroachment, particularly from eastern red cedars, is a growing challenge on rangelands across Oklahoma, reducing forage availability, altering wildlife habitat, and threatening ecosystem balance. This program will explore the issue of woody encroachment and its impacts on rangeland health, with a focus on practical management strategies. Participants will learn about mechanical removal techniques as well as the critical role of prescribed fire in controlling invasive woody growth. The class will include comparisons from properties before and after fire treatments to illustrate the effectiveness of different management approaches. In addition, members of the local Prescribed Fire Association will be invited to share their expertise on the safe and beneficial use of fire as a management tool.
