Grasslands perform essential services that support human life and extend to local, regional, and global communities. 

• Grasslands soak up rain and flood water like giant sponges helping to reduce flooding and erosion. The water filters into the ground recharging underground supplies.

• Grasslands provide essential habitat for wildlife including pollinators and many endangered species.

• Grasslands are the source of species that are staples in our diet (including wheat, barley, corn, and sugarcane). 

• Grasslands feed the grazing animals we depend on for meat, milk, wool, and leather. 

• Grasslands provide us with open views, gorgeous wildflower displays, and wonderful hiking opportunities. 

• "Old-growth grasslands are ancient ecosystems characterized by high herbaceous species richness, high endemism, and unique species compositions.

• Grasslands can store more carbon for longer periods of time than forest ecosystems because they are less impacted by drought and wildfires. When a grassland burns, most of the carbon is stored safely below-ground in roots and in accumulated soil organic matter where it is less likely to be burned and released to the atmosphere. Link to open access PDF of article.