“Anyone can love the mountains, but it takes a soul to love the prairie."
—Willa Cather
By Sheila Glencer
A prairie landscape is dominated by grasses and non-woody broad-leaved flowering plants. Most prairies have less than 10 percent tree cover. Other characteristics of a prairie ecosystem include moderate temperature, moderate rainfall and rich soils. Prairies are among the most endangered ecosystems on the planet.
Nebraska has four distinct prairie regions, each with unique landscapes, and a variety of plants and wildlife. The four types are: the Mixed Grass region of Niobrara and Platte Valleys, the Sand Hills region, the Short Grass region of Pine Ridge and finally the Tallgrass region which covers the eastern quarter of the state and includes the greater Omaha area.
The tallgrass prairie has thick rich soil in which the deep-rooted prairie plants survive. Grasses and flowering plants dominate. Trees that are found are often along water corridors. The tall grass prairie receives 25-36 inches of rain per year and includes several wetland systems.
There are significant conservation efforts focused on bringing back Nebraska’s native grasslands. Less than two percent of Nebraska’s original tall grass prairie is left. Native grasses are often harvested for prairie restoration. Seeds might be collected from established prairies or restored sites. Collection of the seeds usually occurs during the end of the growing season in September or October. These seeds are dried and used to create site specific seed mixes for restoration projects.
Native grasses that are used to help restore the tallgrass prairie of our region include:
Get involved
To watch for volunteer opportunities to help with prairie restoration seed harvesting, please visit these pages:
Special Events and Volunteer Opportunities at Glacier Creek Preserve
Platte River Prairies | The Nature Conservancy of Nebraska
Prairie Seed Harvest & Production | Golden Hills Resource Conservation & Development
