Feature Story
Prairie and Native Grassland Reconstructions
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n recent years, populations of grassland dependent wildlife species have declined significantly and rapidly. From grassland birds that depend on prairies and native grasslands to provide valuable nesting habitat or places to rest and refuel during migrations, to the scores of pollinators that are found exclusively in diverse prairie ecosystems, all have suffered as a result of habitat loss and fragmentation.
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CONSERVATION FEDERATION
While recreating the biologically diverse intricacies of original, unplowed prairie is not possible, many aspects of the ecological and environmental function of prairies can be reconstructed. Prairie plantings can benefit not only many grassland invertebrates and other animals, but also improve the water-holding capacity of the land, which protects streams; improve soil health, and increase the carbon storage capacity in soil.
