Graduate Student/Range and Wildlife Management/Natural Resource Management

Unraveling the Truth about Knotgrass at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge

My name is Maribel Glass. I was born and raised in Houston, Texas. I graduated from Texas A&M University – Kingsville in 2016 with a Bachelor’s degree in Range and Wildlife Management and a minor in Biology. I am currently pursuing a master’s degree; my long-term academic goal includes earning a doctorate degree.

There have been reports of increasing density of knotgrass in managed wetland units at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge in San Antonio, New Mexico. This particular genus has been known to be invasive in wetlands and displace desirable vegetation if not managed properly. It is still uncertain whether or not this grass is useful to waterfowl and furthermore how management prescriptions affect its abundance. The goal of this project is to determine the energetic productive value of knotgrass, whether or not waterfowl consume knotgrass, in addition, determine which management practices facilitate the spread of knotgrass.

UPDATE

I had to honor of being selected as a recipient to the 2018 Dan L. Duncan Scholarship
from Houston Safari Club Foundation. I am excited to announce that I have finished my soil samples and analysis despite the current chaos in the world revolving around COVID-19. I can assure you I have practiced social distancing and followed all the rules implemented by the university and the government. I will continue writing my thesis from the comfort of my home. I will graduate and defend my thesis in August. I look forward to presenting my research and publishing my results. Thank you for your continued support. I could not have done it without you all.