The Wilds is creating essential prairie habitat for wildlife that has otherwise disappeared from its former range.
Over 99% of the original prairie ecosystem of North America is lost forever, but The Wilds' landscape now supports this endangered habitat through ecosystem restoration. Prairie provides a much needed refuge for the fragile wildlife species which depend on it.
Endangered Prairie Ecosystems: North America (Grasslands of The Wilds, Ohio)
Over 142 million acres of prairie once existed in the United States, and today, less than 5% of that remains. Ohio alone had 960,000 prairie acres and now only tiny fragments exist. The biggest threats to grassland habitats come from agricultural development, urban sprawl, invasive species, pesticides and climate change.
What is a Prairie?
Prairie habitats are not the overgrown fields seen on some roadsides. Prairies have rich soils and diverse plants that support a variety of wildlife. These ecosystems are dominated by native grasses such as Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), Indian Grass (Sorghastrum nutans) and Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum). Many prairies and meadows also have flowers such as Purple Coneflower (Echinachia purpurea) and Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta).
Why do Prairie Grasslands Matter?
Grassland ecosystems have many environmental, economic and intrinsic benefits. These habitats play an important role in erosion control, improving water quality, and sequestering carbon. Due to their extensive root systems, prairie can rebuild and stabilize depleted soils. Prairies are also essential wildlife habitats. Many species of insects (especially pollinators), birds and mammals rely on these grasslands. Their diverse plant communities provide rich resources for imperiled species such as the Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus), which rely solely on milkweed during their larval stage. Grassland- nesting birds, also in serious decline, require these open habitats, such as the state listed species of concern, Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus).
In collaboration with many partners, The Wilds has made a substantial contribution to the conservation of this globally important grassland ecosystem and the species that call prairie home. Today, over 555 acres of prairie are now protected on The Wilds preserve, providing a critical habitat oasis.