Mark Vandever

Mark Vandever has done extensive, multi-state field studies evaluating how grassland vegetation responds to disturbance—particularly haying and grazing during periods of drought—and how these management actions influence habitat quality for pollinators, grassland birds, and other wildlife. With over 30 years experience working on the U.S. Farm Bill's conservation title, Mark specializes in understanding the long-term conservation outcomes in Conservation Reserve Program grasslands. This includes everything from national scale assessments on establishment of conservation practices to farm-level scale field studies on pollinator friendly plant communities. Collectively, Mark's portfolio advances science-based approaches for improving grassland resilience under drought, optimizing CRP management for ecological benefits, and supporting land managers and federal agencies with clear, actionable information for sustaining the health and productivity of working landscapes.