Grassland Opportunities Abound

 How about the fact we’ve lost 3 out of every 4 meadowlarks since 1970?  This is not just a problem for songbirds.  Bobwhite quail, prairie chickens, even deer and turkeys are hurt by the decline of grasslands.  All is not lost, however, as native grassland habitat can be easily restored across the Midwest and South and now is the time to act.  In this episode, Kyle and Frank discuss grassland conservation opportunities and the unprecedented amount of money that is available to private landowners to convert agricultural fields and exotic grass pastures to native grasslands.  They discuss the wildlife benefits of native grasses, of course, but also the important function native grasses and forbs can serve as a source of high quality forage in the summer months and as a way of “drought-proofing” a forage base.  Kyle and Frank also discuss how most of the once-perceived roadblocks to establishing native grasses have been overcome and that it is easier than ever to get an established stand in just one year.  They also take you through the process of finding local resources to help in designing and implementing a native grass program on your farm.  Cost-share dollars for native grassland conversion is at an all-time high across the country and if you’ve ever thought of converting a portion of your property to natives, now is the time and this is your podcast!