The Nature Conservancy. Protecting nature. Preserving life.™

Grasslands conjure images of an endless and open land — tall grasses and wide-open spaces without a glimmer of civilization.

But in fact, few grassland and prairie ecosystems resemble this image — an image that used to move philosophers and painters, or inspire restless settlers and industrious farmers.

That’s because grasslands and prairies are the world’s most imperiled ecosystem. Only 5 percent of grasslands are protected globally, but they are greatly threatened by:

• The spread of invasive species;
• The suppression of natural fire; and
• The fragmentation and urbanization of grassland habitat.