Joseph Gerdes

Joe is a Master’s student in the Dayer Human Dimensions Lab and is pursuing a degree in Fisheries and Wildlife Science. His research interests involve working landscapes, especially grasslands, and he is concerned with understanding why landowners choose to engage in conservation efforts and how they can better achieve conservation successes. Currently, he is working on a collaborative research project with cattle ranchers who are practicing bird-friendly forage production and grazing systems. Supporting staff at Audubon in their Conservation Ranching Program, his research is aimed at better understanding rancher’s motivations for adopting bird-friendly farm management strategies and initiating native grassland restoration projects. 

Joe holds a B.S. in Earth & Environmental Science from the University of Mary Washington and a Master of Natural Resources degree from Virginia Tech. He has also worked for the James River Soil & Water Conservation District as a Conservation Specialist and certified Virginia Conservation Planner, where he helped farmers and landowners implement a variety of best-management-practices such as livestock stream-exclusion fencing, establishing vegetated buffers, and developing grazing management systems. 

Joe is a life-long Virginian and a certified Master Naturalist. When not in the lab, he can be found somewhere outdoors fishing, running, and hiking with his hound dog, Shiloh, reading, or practicing the cello.