Dr. Michael Bradley, dean of the Arkansas Tech University College of Research and Graduate Studies, joined Oklahoma author John Gifford for a featured conversation during the 2025 Oklahoma Recreation and Park Society (ORPS) annual conference at Southern Hills in Tulsa.
The session centered on Gifford’s book, “Red Dirt Country,” and explored themes of landscape, identity and the role of place in shaping personal and civic life.
“The discussion drew a full audience of recreation, parks and conservation professionals from across Oklahoma,” said Bradley. “We spent nearly an hour on stage discussing the formative experiences that influenced Gifford’s writing, the deeper meanings behind select passages and the importance of understanding the landscapes people call home. What I appreciated most about our conversation is how clearly John connects people to place, through memory and through responsibility. His work reminds us that caring for the outdoors begins with understanding the stories tied to the land.”
The conversation also highlighted the ways in which “Red Dirt Country” speaks to broader themes of stewardship and belonging.
“John’s reflections help us consider how sense of place influences who we are as citizens and how we choose to value the land beneath our feet,” said Bradley.
The session concluded with a preview of Gifford’s upcoming projects, including his forthcoming book, “Landscaping for Wildlife: Essays on Our Changing Planet.”
“I’m thankful to ORPS for creating a space where literature, land and public service can intersect in meaningful ways,” said Bradley. “The audience’s engagement made the experience truly special.”
For more information about John Gifford and his publications, visit www.johngifford.net.
To learn more about the ATU College of Research and Graduate Studies, visit www.atu.edu/gradcollege.
