Justus Rucker

He/him

Education: Majoring in Parks Management and Conservation

Mentor: Brian Peterson, Ph.D.

McNair Project: Exploring Human-Wildlife Dynamics at Cimarron National Grassland

The acoustic environment is a natural resource for wildlife and is important for quality visitor experiences at parks and protected areas. However, undesired human-caused noise can degrade soundscapes, and scarce research has focused on noise impacts at prairie parks and protected areas. This study investigates the impact of anthropogenic noise on avian species and visitor perceptions at Cimarron National Grassland (CNG). Using acoustic monitoring and bird counts alongside visitor surveys, the research explores the relationships between noise pollution, bird populations, and visitor experiences. Acoustic data were collected using three monitoring units, while bird counts were conducted hourly. Visitor surveys assessed knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors toward avian species and natural soundscapes. Findings reveal significant seasonal variations in bird counts, with higher counts during spring and early summer corresponding to migration and breeding seasons. Red-winged Blackbird (RWBL), Mourning Dove (MODO), and Bullock's Oriole (BUOR) exhibited distinct observation patterns. Visitor survey data indicated high sensitivity to noise, with respondents valuing natural sounds and expressing concerns about noise pollution's impact on wildlife. These findings suggest that effective noise reduction strategies are needed to protect sensitive species and enhance visitor experiences. The study contributes to the broader understanding of human-wildlife interactions and provides actionable insights for conservation and management practices in protected areas.