Of the original 20 million acres of tallgrass prairies less than 1% still survives, making tallgrass prairies the most endangered ecosystem in North America.
The hallmark of a tallgrass prairie is diversity. A healthy prairie supports hundreds of plant species which provide food and shelter for hundreds of insects, birds, and wildlife. The monoculture of industrialized agriculture supports very few insects, birds, and other wildlife, contributing to their demise.
Tallgrasses have an enormous root system. A plant that is 10 feet tall may have roots that are 20 feet deep. This enormous root system allows the plant to reach deep down to stay alive in a drought. Tallgrasses provide stability for the soil even in a drought. The roots provide a natural conduit for rainwater, preventing run-off during a flood. They filter water and improve water quality.
Tallgrass prairies sequester carbon. Recent studies suggest that tallgrasses are an even more reliable carbon sink than forests.
