Home / Environment / America's Vanishing Grasslands: Half Gone!
America's Vanishing Grasslands: Half Gone!
18 Jun
Summary
- Continental U.S. has lost half of its historic grasslands since settlement.
- 98% of native tall grass prairies have been eradicated.
- Grasslands are vital for carbon storage, wildlife, and ecosystem balance.
The continental United States has experienced a dramatic loss of its historic grasslands, with about half of these iconic landscapes disappearing since European settlement. Experts highlight that an alarming 98% of native tall grass prairies have been eradicated, posing a significant threat to biodiversity and ecosystem health. These grasslands, which once spanned across nearly every region of the U.S., are critical for storing vast amounts of carbon, supporting diverse wildlife, and maintaining ecological balance.
These precious natural areas continue to face threats from invasive species, development, and climate change. Historically, Indigenous communities relied on grasslands for survival, utilizing practices like prescribed burning to maintain their health and biodiversity. Protecting the remaining grasslands, such as those found in the Flint Hills of Kansas and the Nebraska Sandhills, is now paramount to ensuring the future of North America's natural heritage.
