Grassland Restoration in Urban and Rural Landscapes – AT

Presented by Schyler Rhea of Wildlife Habitat Federation

Agricultural production and urbanization have been a leading cause of the loss and degradation of native grassland habitat. Texas is a diverse state with ten ecoregions, many of which historically encompassed prairie and savanna grasslands vital to the survival of many species of wildlife. Over time, these unique habitats have significantly been diminished. Wildlife Habitat Federation (WHF) focuses on bringing Texas habitats under improved management by restoring, enhancing and/or managing native grassland habitats throughout the state.

Grassland restoration sites can greatly impact the surrounding natural resources and provide ecosystem services by improving water quality, sequestering carbon, increasing soil health, reducing the threat of flooding through water retention, enhancing biodiversity, and providing critical habitat for pollinator populations and other grassland-dependent species. Much of the restored land from past and on-going WHF project sites includes pocket prairies and wildflower plantings in urban areas, as well as full prairie and savanna grassland restoration of large acreage ranches. By utilizing best management practices and restoring grassland habitat, we can help save an ecosystem that is critical to both humans and wildlife.

This is a session at the Keep Texas Beautiful (KTB) 57th Annual Conference.  Click here to register.