The Ecology And Management Of Prairies In The Central United States

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The Ecology and Management of Prairies in the Central United States

Author : Chris Helzer
Publisher : University of Iowa Press
ISBN 13 : 1587299313
Total Pages : 234 pages
Book Rating : 4.5/5 (872 download)

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Book Synopsis The Ecology and Management of Prairies in the Central United States by : Chris Helzer

Download or read book The Ecology and Management of Prairies in the Central United States written by Chris Helzer and published by University of Iowa Press. This book was released on 2009-05 with total page 234 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Most prairies exist today as fragmented landscapes, making thoughtful and vigilant management ever more important. Intended for landowners and managers dedicated to understanding and nurturing their prairies as well as farmers, ranchers, conservationists, and all those with a strong interest in grasslands, ecologist Chris Helzer’s readable and practical manual educates prairie owners and managers about grassland ecology and gives them guidelines for keeping prairies diverse, vigorous, and viable. Chapters in the first section, "Prairie Ecology," describe prairie plants and the communities they live in, the ways in which disturbance modifies plant communities, the animal and plant inhabitants that are key to prairie survival, and the importance of diversity within plant and animal communities. Chapters in the second section, "Prairie Management," explore the adaptive management process as well as guiding principles for designing management strategies, examples of successful management systems such as fire and grazing, guidance for dealing with birds and other species that have particular habitat requirements and with the invasive species that have become the most serious threat that prairie managers have to deal with, and general techniques for prairie restoration. Following the conclusion and a forward-thinking note on climate change, eight appendixes provide more information on grazing, prescribed fire, and invasive species as well as bibliographic notes, references, and national and state organizations with expertise in prairie management. Grasslands can be found throughout much of North America, and the ideas and strategies in this book apply to most of them, particularly tallgrass and mixed-grass prairies in eastern North Dakota, eastern South Dakota, eastern Nebraska, eastern Kansas, eastern Oklahoma, northwestern Missouri, northern Illinois, northwestern Indiana, Iowa, southwestern Wisconsin, and southwestern Minnesota. By presenting all the factors that promote biological diversity and thus enhance prairie communities, then incorporating these factors into a set of clear-sighted management practices, The Ecology and Management of Prairies in the Central United States presents the tools necessary to ensure that grasslands are managed in the purposeful ways essential to the continued health and survival of prairie communities.

The Tallgrass Prairie Center Guide to Prairie Restoration in the Upper Midwest

Author : Daryl Smith
Publisher : University of Iowa Press
ISBN 13 : 1587299526
Total Pages : 343 pages
Book Rating : 4.5/5 (872 download)

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Book Synopsis The Tallgrass Prairie Center Guide to Prairie Restoration in the Upper Midwest by : Daryl Smith

Download or read book The Tallgrass Prairie Center Guide to Prairie Restoration in the Upper Midwest written by Daryl Smith and published by University of Iowa Press. This book was released on 2010-04-15 with total page 343 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "This manual, by four of the most knowledgeable prairie restorationists in the Upper Midwest, brings together absolutely everything that anyone, regardless of background, needs to know for proper tallgrass prairie restoration. In addition to chapters on everything from planning to implementing to managing a prairie, chapters on native seed production and restoring prairies in public spaces and along roadsides cover all that is necessary for successful prairie restorations. This book is an absolute must for anyone in the business of prairie restoration as well as a great read for any prairie enthusiast." -- Robert H. Mohlenbrock, distinguished professor emeritus of botany, Southern Illinois University --Book Jacket.

Hidden Prairie

Author : Chris Helzer
Publisher : Bureau Oak Book
ISBN 13 : 1609386930
Total Pages : 129 pages
Book Rating : 4.6/5 (93 download)

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Book Synopsis Hidden Prairie by : Chris Helzer

Download or read book Hidden Prairie written by Chris Helzer and published by Bureau Oak Book. This book was released on 2020 with total page 129 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "Chris Helzer illustrates the beauty and diversity of prairie through an impressive series of photographs, all taken within the same meter of prairie. During his year-long project, he photographed 113 plant and animal species within that tiny plot, and capture numerous other images that document the splendor of diverse grasslands. His natural history writing tells the story of his personal journey during the project and the stories of the characters he found within his chosen square meter of prairie"--

Ecological Restoration in the Midwest

Author : Christian Lenhart
Publisher : University of Iowa Press
ISBN 13 : 160938573X
Total Pages : 305 pages
Book Rating : 4.6/5 (93 download)

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Book Synopsis Ecological Restoration in the Midwest by : Christian Lenhart

Download or read book Ecological Restoration in the Midwest written by Christian Lenhart and published by University of Iowa Press. This book was released on 2018-06 with total page 305 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Introduction / Christian Lenhart and Peter C. Smiley, Jr. -- Discovering the roots of ecology and ecological restoration in the Midwest /Peter C. Smiley Jr., David P. Benson, and John A. Harrington -- Midwestern theory and practices that have shaped the field of ecological restoration / Christian Lenhart, Peter C. Smiley Jr., and John Shuey -- Historical and current prairie restoration in the Midwest / Steve Glass and Daryl Smith -- Floodplain wetland restoration along the Illinois River / Michael J. Lemke, Heath M. Hagy, Andrew F. Casper, and Hua Chen -- Restoring stream ecosystems in the Midwest / Luther Aadland, Neil Haugerud, and Christian Lenhart -- Restoration of urban ecosystems / Jen Lyndall, Joe Dimisa, and Constance Hausman -- The role of restoration in a changing world : increasing ecosystem resilience and response in the face of climate change / John Shuey and Hua Chen -- Invasive species management : developing a common vision for Midwestern landscapes / Dan Shaw -- The emerging role of ecological restoration in agricultural watershed management in the Midwest / Christian Lenhart and Peter C. Smiley, Jr. -- Building on dual legacies of ecological restoration and ecosystem degradation / Peter C. Smiley Jr., Christian Lenhart, and John Shuey

Ecology of Dakota Landscapes

Author : W. Carter Johnson
Publisher : Yale University Press
ISBN 13 : 0300253818
Total Pages : 336 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (2 download)

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Book Synopsis Ecology of Dakota Landscapes by : W. Carter Johnson

Download or read book Ecology of Dakota Landscapes written by W. Carter Johnson and published by Yale University Press. This book was released on 2022-01-01 with total page 336 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: An illustrated review of the Northern Great Plains that blends natural history and human history "The most complete, in-depth look at Dakota ecosystems and their history. An absolutely fascinating read!"--Gabe Brown, author of Dirt to Soil W. Carter Johnson and Dennis H. Knight describe the natural and human histories of the Northern Great Plains in this comprehensive and handsomely illustrated book. Covering a vast period of time, they move from geological developments millions of years ago and the effects of glaciers to historical and ecological developments in recent centuries and the effects of agriculture. The book ends with a discussion of the future of this region, mediated by climate change, with recommendations on how to balance agriculture and other pressing needs in the twenty-first century. Johnson and Knight bring decades of experience to chapters on the major ecosystems of the Dakotas. Written for readers with varying backgrounds, and with discussions of the Prairie Pothole Region, the Missouri River, grasslands, woodlands, the Black Hills, and rivers, lakes, and wetlands, the book is unique and will become a long-lasting source of information. Readers will appreciate the plentiful photographs and other color illustrations.

Prairie Crossing

Author : John Scott Watson
Publisher : University of Illinois Press
ISBN 13 : 0252097971
Total Pages : 232 pages
Book Rating : 4.2/5 (52 download)

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Book Synopsis Prairie Crossing by : John Scott Watson

Download or read book Prairie Crossing written by John Scott Watson and published by University of Illinois Press. This book was released on 2016-01-30 with total page 232 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Carved out of century-old farmland near Chicago, the Prairie Crossing development is a novel experiment in urban public policy that preserves 69 percent of the land as open space. The for-profit project has set out to do nothing less than use access to nature as a means to challenge America's failed culture of suburban sprawl. The first comprehensive look at an American conservation community, Prairie Crossing goes beyond windmills and nest boxes to examine an effort to connect adults to the land while creating a healthy and humane setting for raising a new generation attuned to nature. John Scott Watson places Prairie Crossing within the wider context of suburban planning, revealing how two first-time developers implemented a visionary new land ethic that saved green space by building on it. The remarkable achievements include a high rate of resident civic participation, the reestablishment of a thriving prairie ecosystem, the reintroduction of endangered and threatened species, and improved water and air quality. Yet, as Watson shows, considerations like economic uncertainty, lack of racial and class diversity, and politics have challenged, and continue to challenge, Prairie Crossing and its residents.

Prairie Up

Author : Benjamin Vogt
Publisher : University of Illinois Press
ISBN 13 : 0252053710
Total Pages : 254 pages
Book Rating : 4.2/5 (52 download)

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Book Synopsis Prairie Up by : Benjamin Vogt

Download or read book Prairie Up written by Benjamin Vogt and published by University of Illinois Press. This book was released on 2023-01-24 with total page 254 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Connecting to nature with native plants Landscaping with native plants has encouraged gardeners from the Midwest and beyond to embark on a profound scientific, ecological, and emotional partnership with nature. Benjamin Vogt shares his expertise with prairie plants in a richly photographed guide aimed at gardeners and homeowners, making big ideas about design approachable and actionable. Step-by-step blueprints point readers to plant communities that not only support wildlife and please the eye but that rethink traditional planting and maintenance. Additionally, Vogt provides insider information on plant sourcing, garden tools, and working with city ordinances. This book will be an invaluable reference in sustainable garden design for those wanting both beautiful and functional landscapes. Easy to use and illustrated with over 150 color photos, Prairie Up is a practical guide to artfully reviving diversity and wildness in our communities.

Grassland Dynamics

Author : Alan K. Knapp
Publisher : Oxford University Press on Demand
ISBN 13 : 9780195114867
Total Pages : 364 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (148 download)

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Book Synopsis Grassland Dynamics by : Alan K. Knapp

Download or read book Grassland Dynamics written by Alan K. Knapp and published by Oxford University Press on Demand. This book was released on 1998 with total page 364 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This is the first volume in the Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) Network Series. Established in 1980, the LTER program is exploring a wide variety of biomes characteristic of the United States and developing a baseline for ecosystem dynamics over long time periods and broad spatial scales. The volumes in this series will include both comprehensive reviews of research from particular sites and topical overviews which use data from many sites to examine important questions in ecology. This volume, which focuses on the Konza Prairie in northeastern Kansas, is a synthesis of over 15 years of research in pristine tallgrass prairie. It gives a comprehensive site description and summarizes the key long-term studies that form the basis for the Konza Prairie Long-Term Ecological Research Program. It then presents a synthesis of the many research areas involved and develops a foundation for future ecological studies in tallgrass prairie. With over 150 figures and tables, chapters that encompass microbial through landscape scales, and an emphasis on lessons learned from long-term studies, this volume provides a unique and comprehensive perspective on the structural and functional ecology of the grassland ecosystem that once covered most of central North America.

Fire Ecology and Management: Past, Present, and Future of US Forested Ecosystems

Author : Cathryn H. Greenberg
Publisher : Springer Nature
ISBN 13 : 3030732673
Total Pages : 513 pages
Book Rating : 4.0/5 (37 download)

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Book Synopsis Fire Ecology and Management: Past, Present, and Future of US Forested Ecosystems by : Cathryn H. Greenberg

Download or read book Fire Ecology and Management: Past, Present, and Future of US Forested Ecosystems written by Cathryn H. Greenberg and published by Springer Nature. This book was released on 2021-10-01 with total page 513 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This edited volume presents original scientific research and knowledge synthesis covering the past, present, and potential future fire ecology of major US forest types, with implications for forest management in a changing climate. The editors and authors highlight broad patterns among ecoregions and forest types, as well as detailed information for individual ecoregions, for fire frequencies and severities, fire effects on tree mortality and regeneration, and levels of fire-dependency by plant and animal communities. The foreword addresses emerging ecological and fire management challenges for forests, in relation to sustainable development goals as highlighted in recent government reports. An introductory chapter highlights patterns of variation in frequencies, severities, scales, and spatial patterns of fire across ecoregions and among forested ecosystems across the US in relation to climate, fuels, topography and soils, ignition sources (lightning or anthropogenic), and vegetation. Separate chapters by respected experts delve into the fire ecology of major forest types within US ecoregions, with a focus on the level of plant and animal fire-dependency, and the role of fire in maintaining forest composition and structure. The regional chapters also include discussion of historic natural (lightning-ignited) and anthropogenic (Native American; settlers) fire regimes, current fire regimes as influenced by recent decades of fire suppression and land use history, and fire management in relation to ecosystem integrity and restoration, wildfire threat, and climate change. The summary chapter combines the major points of each chapter, in a synthesis of US-wide fire ecology and forest management into the future. This book provides current, organized, readily accessible information for the conservation community, land managers, scientists, students and educators, and others interested in how fire behavior and effects on structure and composition differ among ecoregions and forest types, and what that means for forest management today and in the future.

Assessment of Grassland Ecosystem Conditions in the Southwestern United States: Wildlife and fish

Author :
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 176 pages
Book Rating : 4.:/5 (334 download)

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Book Synopsis Assessment of Grassland Ecosystem Conditions in the Southwestern United States: Wildlife and fish by :

Download or read book Assessment of Grassland Ecosystem Conditions in the Southwestern United States: Wildlife and fish written by and published by . This book was released on 2004 with total page 176 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Volume 2. Wildlife and fish.

The Prairie in Seed

Author : Dave Williams
Publisher : University of Iowa Press
ISBN 13 : 1609384091
Total Pages : 138 pages
Book Rating : 4.6/5 (93 download)

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Book Synopsis The Prairie in Seed by : Dave Williams

Download or read book The Prairie in Seed written by Dave Williams and published by University of Iowa Press. This book was released on 2016-04 with total page 138 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In The Prairie in Seed, Dave Williams shows us how to identify wildflowers when they are out of bloom and, in particular, how to harvest their seeds. Without the flower color and shape as guides, it can be difficult to identify prairie plants. Imagine trying to distinguish between a simple prairie sunflower and an ox-eye sunflower with no flowers to look at! In this richly illustrated guide, Williams offers dormant plant identification information, seed descriptions, and advice on seed harvesting and cleaning for seventy-three of the most common wildflowers found in the tallgrass prairie. He includes photographs and descriptions of the plants in bloom and in seed to assist in finding them when you are ready to harvest. Each species description explains where the seeds are located on the plant, when seed ripening begins, and how many seeds each species produces, along with a photograph and approximate measurements of the actual seed. Finally, this guide provides assistance on how and when to hand-harvest seeds for each species, as well as some simple tips on seed cleaning.

The Tallgrass Prairie Center Guide to Seed and Seedling Identification in the Upper Midwest

Author : Dave Williams
Publisher : University of Iowa Press
ISBN 13 : 1587299534
Total Pages : 132 pages
Book Rating : 4.5/5 (872 download)

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Book Synopsis The Tallgrass Prairie Center Guide to Seed and Seedling Identification in the Upper Midwest by : Dave Williams

Download or read book The Tallgrass Prairie Center Guide to Seed and Seedling Identification in the Upper Midwest written by Dave Williams and published by University of Iowa Press. This book was released on 2010-04-15 with total page 132 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Settlers crossing the tallgrass prairie in the early 1800s were greeted by a seemingly endless landscape of wildflowers and grasses, one of the most diverse ecosystems on our planet. Today, although the tallgrass prairie has been reduced to a tiny percentage of its former expanse, people are working to restore and reconstruct prairie communities. This lavishly illustrated guide to seeds and seedlings, crafted by Tallgrass Prairie Center botanist Dave Williams and illustrator Brent Butler, will insure that everyone from urban gardeners to grassland managers can properly identify and germinate seventy-two species of tallgrass wildflowers and grasses in eastern North Dakota, eastern South Dakota, southwestern Minnesota, southwestern Wisconsin, northern Illinois, northwestern Indiana, Iowa, eastern Nebraska, eastern Kansas, northwestern Missouri, and eastern Oklahoma. Williams has created a brilliant, nearly foolproof system of identification and verification. Two primary keys lead to eleven secondary keys that link to characteristic groups of tallgrass plants: seven groups for wildflowers and four groups for grasses. To identify a seedling, use the primary key to discover its place in the secondary key, then turn to that characteristic group to find your seedling. Circles on each full seedling photograph correspond to close-up photographs; triangles on these close-ups illustrate information in the text to further pinpoint identification. Drawings of leaves illuminate exact identification, and enlarged photographs of each seed provide yet another way to confirm identification. Thousands of seeds were sprouted in the Tallgrass Prairie Center’s greenhouse to provide seedlings close in size and development to those grown in the field near the end of their first season; research and photography took place over four years. Williams’s text for each species includes a thorough description, a comparison of similar species, and guidance for germination and growth. A complete glossary supports the text, which is concise but detailed enough to be accessible to beginning prairie enthusiasts. Anyone in the Upper Midwest who wishes to preserve the native vegetation of prairie remnants or reconstruct a tallgrass prairie of whatever size—from home gardens to schoolyards to roadsides to large acreages—will benefit from the hundreds of photographs and drawings and the precise text in this meticulously prepared guide.

Assessment of Grassland Ecosystem Conditions in the Southwestern United States

Author :
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 176 pages
Book Rating : 4.:/5 (319 download)

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Book Synopsis Assessment of Grassland Ecosystem Conditions in the Southwestern United States by :

Download or read book Assessment of Grassland Ecosystem Conditions in the Southwestern United States written by and published by . This book was released on 2004 with total page 176 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "Volume 2 (this volume) describes wildlife and fish species, their habitat requirements, and species-specific management concerns, in Southwestern grasslands. This assessment is regional in scale and pertains primarily to lands administered by the Southwestern Region of the USDA Forest Service (Arizona, New Mexico, western Texas, and western Oklahoma)."--Abstract.

The Great Plains

Author : Stephen J. Pyne
Publisher : University of Arizona Press
ISBN 13 : 0816536163
Total Pages : 230 pages
Book Rating : 4.8/5 (165 download)

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Book Synopsis The Great Plains by : Stephen J. Pyne

Download or read book The Great Plains written by Stephen J. Pyne and published by University of Arizona Press. This book was released on 2017-05-09 with total page 230 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Early descriptions of the Great Plains often focus on a vast, grassy expanse that was either burnt or burning. The scene continued to burn until the land was plowed under or grazed away and broken by innumerable roads and towns. Yet, where the original landscape has persisted, so has fire, and where people have sought to restore something of that original setting, they have had to reinstate fire. This has required the persistence or creation of a fire culture, which in turn inspired schools of science and art that make the Great Plains today a regional hearth for American fire. Volume 5 of To the Last Smoke introduces a region that once lay at the geographic heart of American fire, and today promises to reclaim something of that heritage. After all these years, the Great Plains continue to bear witness to how fires can shape contemporary life, and vice versa. In this collection of essays, Stephen J. Pyne explores how this once most regularly and widely burned province of North America, composed of various subregions and peoples, has been shaped by the flames contained within it and what fire, both tame and feral, might mean for the future of its landscapes. Included in this volume: How wildland and rural fire have changed from the 19th century to the 21st century How fire is managed in the nation’s historic tallgrass prairies, from Texas to South Dakota, from Illinois to Nebraska How fire connects with other themes of Great Plains life and culture How and why Texas has returned to the national narrative of landscape fire

Hidden Prairie

Author : Chris Helzer
Publisher : University of Iowa Press
ISBN 13 : 1609386949
Total Pages : 128 pages
Book Rating : 4.6/5 (93 download)

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Book Synopsis Hidden Prairie by : Chris Helzer

Download or read book Hidden Prairie written by Chris Helzer and published by University of Iowa Press. This book was released on 2020-05-01 with total page 128 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Chris Helzer illustrates the beauty and diversity of prairie through an impressive series of photographs, all taken within the same square meter of prairie. During his year-long project, he photographed 113 plant and animal species within a tiny plot, and captured numerous other images that document the splendor of diverse grasslands. Even readers familiar with prairies will be fascinated by the varied subject matter Helzer captured with his camera. In addition, his captivating and accessible natural history writing tells the story of his personal journey during the project and the stories of the characters he found within his chosen square meter of prairie. This book is packed with gorgeous full-page close-up photos of prairie plants and animals, interspersed with a dozen short essays that include both ecology and natural history tidbits and enthralling and gently humorous anecdotes about Helzer’s experience staring into a tiny bit of prairie for one year. Helzer writes eloquently about the conservation value of prairies and uses his photos and stories to reinforce a conservation ethic among his readers.

The Tallgrass Prairie

Author : Cindy Crosby
Publisher : Northwestern University Press
ISBN 13 : 0810135485
Total Pages : 128 pages
Book Rating : 4.8/5 (11 download)

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Book Synopsis The Tallgrass Prairie by : Cindy Crosby

Download or read book The Tallgrass Prairie written by Cindy Crosby and published by Northwestern University Press. This book was released on 2017-04-20 with total page 128 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: More than a region on a map, North America's vast grasslands are an enduring place in the American heart. Unfolding along and beyond the Mississippi River, the tallgrass prairie has entranced and inspired its natives and newcomers as well as American artists and writers from Willa Cather to Mark Twain. The Tallgrass Prairie is a new introduction to the astonishing beauty and biodiversity of these iconic American spaces. Like a walking tour with a literate friend and expert, Cindy Crosby's Tallgrass Prairie prepares travelers and armchair travelers for an adventure in the tallgrass. Crosby's engaging gateway assumes no prior knowledge of tallgrass landscapes, and she acquaints readers with the native plants they’ll discover there. She demystifies botanic plant names and offers engaging mnemonic tips for mastering Latin names with verve and confidence. Visitors to the prairie will learn to identify native plants using the five senses to discover what makes each plant unique or memorable. In the summer, for example, the unusual square stem of cup plant, Silphium perfoliatum, sets it apart from its neighbors. And its distinctive leaf cups water after the rain. A gifted raconteur, Crosby tells stories about how humankind has adopted the prairie as a grocery, an apothecary, and even as a shop for love charms. Rounding out this exceptional introduction are suggestions for experiencing the American prairie, including journaling techniques and sensory experiences, tips for preparing for a hike in tallgrass landscapes, ways to integrate native prairie plants into home landscapes (without upsetting the neighbors), and a wealth of resources for further exploration. An instant classic in the tradition of American naturalist writing, The Tallgrass Prairie will delight not only scholars and policy makers, but guests to tallgrass prairie preserves, outdoors enthusiasts and gardeners, and readers interested in American ecosystems and native plants.

A Prairie's Not Scary

Author : Paul A. Johnsgard
Publisher : Lulu.com
ISBN 13 : 1609620224
Total Pages : 50 pages
Book Rating : 4.6/5 (96 download)

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Book Synopsis A Prairie's Not Scary by : Paul A. Johnsgard

Download or read book A Prairie's Not Scary written by Paul A. Johnsgard and published by Lulu.com. This book was released on 2012-04-01 with total page 50 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "Twenty poems and 23 drawings illustrate the integrated habitat and denizens of the North American prairies: mammals, birds, insects, and plants. Probably only 1-3 percent of Nebraska's original tallgrass prairie still exists. There are very few remaining tallgrass prairies in Nebraska as large as Spring Creek Prairie. They represent important repositories for our natural heritage of native plants and animals. It is not uncommon for tallgrass prairies to have 250-300 species of plants present and several hundred species of insects."--from publisher's description.