Amber Waves of Grain and Grass Prairies – or grasslands – are unsung American heroes. 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. 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. 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. As Pollinator and Grasslands Week comes to a close we want to remind you that 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. Read the full story here: https://bit.ly/4kXj0MU #quailforever #thehabitatorganization

We Are Hiring // Director of Conservation Delivery South Region Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever’s South Region is comprised of just over 100 employees (9 State Coordinators) across the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas. Our goal in the South Region is to restore bobwhite quail populations throughout their historic range by implementing the organizations four strategic priorities: increasing and improving wildlife habitat on public and private lands, advancing conservation policies and program funding, expanding public access to upland wildlife habitat, and expanding, educating and engaging the upland conservation community. We are seeking a qualified individual to lead and support the state leadership and provide strategic direction for the mission delivery in the South Region. Click here to apply: https://bit.ly/4leoSB9

How Deep Do Your Roots Go? The native grasslands of North America are more than meets the eye. Beyond their rare beauty, the native prairie plants are ecological powerhouses – sequestering carbon, enriching our soil, and cleaning the air we breathe. What’s more? Their intricate root systems significantly impact water management by reducing runoff and improving water infiltration. Native prairie flowers and grasses are renowned for their deep, expansive roots, which help absorb and store water efficiently. Take the leadplant – its roots can reach up to 17 feet in depth. In fact, up to 90% of wildflowers and native grass species thrive beneath the surface, where their roots access water from deep within the soil. This adaptation assists prairie plants in withstanding drought conditions by tapping into moisture reserves. From backyard pollinator plots to vast, intact prairies, these root networks are hard at work. Their reach extends far beyond the surface, quietly conserving water and sustaining life across entire ecosystems. So next time you find yourself in the uplands, pause for a moment. Admire the grasses and flowers waving in the wind – but remember, the real magic lies below. #quailforever #thehabitatorganization

NEW ON THE WING PODCAST Host Bob St.Pierre is joined by The Nature Conservancy's Kelsey Molloy, Wyoming Migration Initiative's Andrew Jakes, Pheasants Forever's Casey Sill and PF’s Montana State Coordinator Hunter VanDonsel for a discussion regarding the Montana Grassland Initiative. This week’s episode celebrates the unique aspects and animals comprising Montana’s grasslands and the efforts PF & QF are taking to conserve this precious biome. Listen now at the link below or wherever you get your podcasts! https://bit.ly/40729ic “On the Wing Podcast” is proudly fueled by Pro Plan Sporting Dogs #pheasantsforever #quailforever #thehabitatorganization #onthewingpodcast

Across the U.S. Great Plains, over half of our native grasslands have been permanently lost to cropland, energy and urban development, or the encroachment of trees. This loss threatens entire wildlife communities as well as human economies and cultures. Once grasslands are degraded, the finely-tuned benefits they provide can permanently disappear. We must stop this death by a thousand cuts – and turn the tide – before it’s too late for our favorite birds, our irreplaceable pollinators, and for ourselves. To learn more visit www.mapforgrasslands.org 🎥: Cornell Lab of Ornithology