Prairie Conservation

Programs that restore and preserve the native tallgrasses, oak savannas, wildflowers, mammals, birds, butterflies and other native species that constitute the prairie ecosystems of the American Midwest. Management techniques include simulation of the natural mechanisms which have allowed the prairies to thrive such as intermittent grazing, controlled burns, mowing and haying; reintroduction of native species of plants and herbivores such as bison and elk; protection of increasingly rare animal communities such as prairie dog towns and prairie chicken and grouse habitats; removal of non-native species; development of non-motorized trails on grasslands; and protection of environmentally sensitive areas from oil and gas leasing.