Prairie Protection for Landowners

Prairie with monarch butterfly on liatris

Why protect native prairie?

Prior to European settlement, more than 18 million acres of prairie covered Minnesota. A wealth of diverse species, habitats and cultures thrived here. With its fertile soil and nutritious grasses, prairie became the basis for an agricultural empire. Today, less than two percent of Minnesota's native prairie remains . It is North America's most endangered habitat type. The near elimination of native prairie has inspired many efforts to protect remaining parcels.

Benefits of protecting prairie

Prairies occur in open landscapes dominated by a diversity of grasses and forbs (wildflowers). But, prairies are more than grass and flowers. They're entire ecosystems of flowering plants, ferns, lichens, mammals, birds, bees, butterflies, beetles, bacteria, fungi and thousands of other different organisms! All of which interact with one another in a complex web. Prairies provide valuable habitat for Minnesota wildlife and contribute to Minnesotan's quality of life:

Providing Habitat

Prairie produces food, cover, and nesting sites for a wide variety of wildlife
- Of special note is the critical habitat prairie provides for pollinators (bees, butterflies, etc.)
Wildlife and native plants have developed together over thousands of years

Providing Clean Water

Prairies trap nutrients and sediment
Prairies promote water infiltration (reducing erosion)
Prairies recharge groundwater

Developing Healthy Soils

Prairie plant roots break down into rich organic matter
Water holding capacity of these rich soils is very high

Boosting Rural Economies

Livestock grazing and haying can benefit both the prairie and sustainable agriculture practices
Hunting and wildlife viewing opportunities bring visitors needing food, lodging, gas, etc.