The lush grasslands are undergoing a transformation, becoming ‘shrubbier’ than ever before, a shift that poses both challenges and opportunities for biodiversity. Chris Helzer, a scientist deeply engaged in this field, emphasizes the need to adapt management practices to support pollinators and wildlife species in these evolving landscapes.
A noticeable change has been observed over the past decade by Sarah Bailey of the Prairie Plains Resource Institute. What once were sparse woody species among prairie grasses have now proliferated into denser clusters, particularly in the eastern tallgrass prairies of the state.
Bailey, who serves as the institute’s conservation and education director, warns that as woody species encroach on prairie land, they begin to “choke out” the prairie understory. This encroachment limits sunlight, causing native plants to struggle, wither, and eventually die off. “We never want to lose prairie ecosystems,” Bailey asserts. “That’s where we see the most biodiversity in this region.”
Helzer highlights that grasslands are among the most diverse ecosystems globally. His scientific endeavors focus on finding the balance between using grasslands effectively and maintaining their biodiversity. A successful model of this balance is unfolding in the Sandhills.
For over three decades, the Sandhills Task Force, based in Broken Bow, has been at the forefront of promoting conservation alongside profitable private ranching. Under the leadership of Shelly Kelly, the task force’s executive director, they annually complete 50-100 projects with the support of various conservation partners.
In 2024, the task force aided private landowners in enhancing over 77,000 acres of Sandhills prairie. They implemented strategies like prescribed burns, controlling woody species, and modifying grazing plans to encourage land regrowth, exemplifying a successful approach to managing these critical ecosystems.
