Prairie Protection for Landowners

Why protect native prairie?

Prior to European settlement, more than 18 million acres of prairie covered Minnesota. Our prairie lands were part of the largest ecosystem in North America, stretching from Canada to Mexico and from the Rockies to Indiana. 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.