Celebrating Pollinator & Grasslands Week
By Brent Rudolph
Prairies – or grasslands – are unsung American heros. They might not have the majesty of purple mountains, but with diverse communities of grasses and wildflowers, the tallgrass, mixed grass, and shortgrass prairies can compete with the grandeur of mountain peaks if you take the time to appreciate them.
Their natural beauty is just one of many benefits grasslands provide that are often underappreciated, but the prairie certainly has been appreciated – loved to death, in fact – for its fertile soils.
About half of the world’s grasslands have been lost. That statistic is even more dire for America’s prairies, with 70% of our former grasslands gone.
The fertile soil under lots of land that once grew lots of grass now grows lots of crops.
With Pollinator & Grasslands Week upon us, it makes for a great time to give prairies their due and provides yet another reason to raise awareness of how grasslands support our wildlife, a healthy environment, and prosperous communities.
Twenty National Grasslands are administered by the U.S. Forest Service. These 3.8 million acres of public land serve as critical habitat for thousands of species of pollinators. Pollinator species – which can include bats, birds, bees, beetles, flies, moths, and butterflies – pollinate plants, which supply one-third of human food. The value of this service provided for free by wild pollinators is estimated at $4-6 billion annually to the U.S. economy.
Unfortunately, grassland conversion to agriculture also harms pollinator populations, even though both farms and pollinators are essential for food production. Supporting and conserving National Grasslands helps break this harmful cycle.
These public lands provide habitat to wildlife and pollinators, and recreational access for hunters. Grasslands also deliver essential “ecosystem services,” such as pollination, erosion reduction, water purification, and flood and drought mitigation, all of which sustain healthy ecosystems and prosperous communities. Additionally, the economic activity from hunting and tourism significantly boosts local economies.
The National Grasslands landscape – amber waves of grain blended with swaying prairie grasses and blooming wildflowers – is as beneficial as it is beautiful. Protecting these landscapes supports wildlife, enhances community prosperity, and preserves America’s natural heritage.
This Pollinator & Grasslands Week, consider supporting Pheasants Forever by clicking this link and claiming a special donation offer . Your donation helps sustain vital habitats, ensures public access, and preserves the legacy of America’s grasslands and pollinators.
Interested in other ways of supporting our work? Explore opportunities to help and Ways to Give.
For more information on ways to build sustainability partnerships with us, contact Brent Rudolph – Director of Sustainability Partnerships, at BRudolph@PheasantsForever.org.