SWOSU Press Release
Weatherford, OK – Students from Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) visited the Four Canyon Preserve for a full day of field observations and ecological study. The visit provided hands-on experience with Oklahoma’s native mixed-grass prairie and the conservation work required to protect it.
The trip was organized by Dr. Rickey Cothran and led by SWOSU faculty members Dr. Cothran, Dr. Renan Bosque, and Dr. Vijay Somalinga. They were joined by Chris Hise, a former SWOSU student who now serves as the Preserve Manager and Associate Director of Conservation. His guidance throughout the day offered students a detailed look at the site’s ecological features and long-term restoration efforts.
Four Canyon Preserve, located in western Oklahoma and managed by The Nature Conservancy, protects some of the last remaining stretches of native mixed-grass prairie in the region. Much of this habitat has been lost over time due to agriculture and development, and the preserve now plays an important role in maintaining and restoring these rare ecosystems. Its landscape includes rugged canyonlands, exposed redbed geology, and a variety of plant and wildlife communities that reflect the diversity of the prairie.
During the visit, students examined plant communities, identified wildlife signs, and discussed ecological processes that shape the prairie landscape. The day’s activities helped link classroom learning to real-world fieldwork in biology, ecology, and natural resource management. Faculty emphasized how field experiences like this strengthen students’ understanding of conservation work and the challenges involved in protecting native ecosystems.
The outing also highlighted the long-term partnership between SWOSU faculty and the preserve. Students were able to see examples of active land-management practices, including restoration strategies that support prairie health and biodiversity. These opportunities support SWOSU’s commitment to providing learning environments that prepare students for careers in scientific and environmental fields.
For more information about the SWOSU Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, visit https://www.swosu.edu/biological-sciences/index.php.
About Southwestern Oklahoma State University
Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) was founded in 1901 and offers over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs across three locations in Weatherford, Sayre, and Yukon. The university serves over 5,000 scholars and prides itself on affordability, small class sizes, and over 200 faculty and staff committed to helping students achieve their academic and personal goals.
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