NATIONAL PRAIRIE DAY
On the first Saturday of June, we recognize one of the richest ecosystems on the face of the earth with National Prairie Day. In North America, the prairies are at the heart of the continent.
#NationalPrairieDay
A wide swath of central North America comprises flat grassland running from the Canadian provinces of Alberta, Manitoba, and down to Texas. What took thousands of years to form approximately 170 million acres has been reduced in the last 150 years to 1 percent of habitat. Where once a vast and un-numbered variety of species thrived, the fertile soil now produces bumper crops of wheat, sorghum, flax, rye, and oats.
Prairies provide homes to a wide variety of wildlife including prairie dogs, prairie chickens, buffalo, bison, elk, deer, rabbits, hawks, and foxes. They are also home to diverse native prairie plantings offering year-round food, shelter, and nesting grounds for habitat.
Complex established ecosystems support precious native birds, pollinators, insects, and other native wildlife. Habitat loss contributes to extinctions. However, what remains is still teeming with diverse flora and fauna species. Sadly, many of these species are endangered of becoming extinct. Some are yet to be discovered and identified. Amazingly, original tracts of undisturbed prairie serve as living ecological and native American cultural research stations. These models of precious ecosystems with genetic resources continue to be studied because their ecological worth and economic benefits are yet to be realized.
Opportunity
National Prairie Day creates a chance to educate the public about preservation, conservation, and restoration. It also teaches us about the history, wildlife, and habitats of the prairie. Understanding the prairie means looking beyond what often initially appears simple and learning at each form of life that thrives within it. It also means comprehending complex systems we can learn from and ensuring our future.
The natural beauty of prairies can be breathtaking, too. Today’s "amber waves of grain" were created from the fertile soil of these oceans of grasslands. They were were once tall enough to hide a man on horseback! Prairies inspired the paintings of Harvey Dunn in South Dakota, poetry from Walt Whitman, and books from authors such as Laura Ingalls Wilder in Missouri.
Interrelated Benefits of the Prairie
Water Quality and Quantity Protection
Prairie plants are adapted to drought. It's like having drought insurance.
Prairie plants are adapted to drought. It's like having drought insurance.
Prairies offer watershed protection.
Prairies increase water infiltration and water yield, increase water supply by reducing erosion and reservoir sedimentation.
Water quality is increased on prairies because fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides aren't used on these natural habitats.
Stormwater management on the prairie acts as a sponge that curbs soil erosion and flooding.
Soil Quality and Quantity Protection
Prairie soil microbes can reduce the amount of synthetic chemicals used in agriculture.
The root systems of native prairie grasses firmly hold soil in place to prevent soil runoff.
One acre of prairie can store over one ton of carbon per acre per year.
Native prairie plants with roots up to 15 feet deep act as a sponge, absorbing up to seven inches of rain without flooding.
Birds, Native Pollinators, and Wildlife Protection
Native bees are found to be 40 times more efficient pollinators than honey bees.
Prairies support pollination to adjacent farms through native pollinators.
The prairie is a natural habitat to migratory waterfowl, shorebirds, waterbirds and songbirds.
Prairies protect animals adapted to wide open spaces with few trees.
Energy Independence via Biofuels
Prairie biomass can be harvested for renewable energy, creating natural gas.
North American Cultural and Natural Heritage Conservation
Prairies provide the opportunity to learn primitive skills.
They are rich in Native American history.
They are also rich in homesteading history.
Plant Biodiversity Protection
Prairies offer management by grazing fire disturbance.
Prairie plantings can be considered a form of drought insurance as they are adapted to drought, grazing, and fire.
Forbs (native wildflowers) are of particular importance as food sources for native insects and wildlife.
Endangered plant species have yet to be studied for their medicinal potential.
Prairies are full of natural seed stores and offer propagation of endangered species.
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL PRAIRIE DAY
Celebrating National Prairie Day doesn't require much effort. We've found a few ideas for you to get you started:
Learn about prairies by participating in a Prairie BioBlitz.
Visit public prairies and take in the views, nature and wildlife around you.
Support local, state, and national organizations committed to prairie education, conservation, and restoration
Create your own prairie garden at home. You will see how it changes through the season while giving back to nature.
Share your support by posting your prairie photos and adventures on social media using the hashtag #NationalPrairieDay.
You can also learn more about prairies by visiting these websites:
FOUNDER INFORMATION
In 2015, Christine Chiu of the Missouri Prairie Foundation founded National Prairie Day to educate the public about the vital ecosystem and increase prairie education, conservation, and restoration.
The Registrar at National Day Calendar proclaimed National Prairie Day to be observed on the first Saturday in June annually.