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. 

Grassland resources