Prairie protection
Prior to European settlement, more than 18 million acres of prairie covered Minnesota. Our prairie lands were part of the largest ecosystem in North America, which stretched from Canada to Mexico and from the Rockies to Indiana. A wealth of diverse species, habitats and cultures thrived here.
With its fertile soil, nutritious grasses and aura of possibility, prairie became the basis for an agricultural empire. It also influenced our sense of national identity. View an illustration of native grass root depth compared to that of introduced grasses.
Today, less than one percent of Minnesota's native prairie remains. The near elimination of native prairie has inspired many efforts to protect remaining parcels. Map of extent of Minnesota's native prairie 2008 
The Native Prairie Bank Program and Native Prairie Tax Exemption Program are two of these efforts.
Another way you can help is to plan a restoration for your own land. Going Native: A Prairie Restoration Handbook for Minnesota Landowners (1.3 mb) can help you get started.
Grants for protecting prairie species at risk (plants and animals identified under state or federal endangered species laws as endangered, threatened or of special concern) are available through the Landowner Incentive Program.
For more information
DNR Prairie Biologist
Scientific and Natural Areas Program, Ecological Resources
175 County Road 26
Windom, MN 56101
tel. (507)831-2900 x223
e-mail. prairie.biologist@dnr.state.mn.us
The Nature Conservancy-Minnesota Chapter
1313 5th Street SE, Suite 320
Minneapolis, MN 55414
tel. (612) 331-0700
Northern Tallgrass Prairie Project
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge
Rt. 1, Box 25
Odessa, MN 56276
tel. (320) 273-2191
