Reference landscapes, databases, and mapping tools for understanding prairie ecosystems across the Temperate Prairies region, including land trust preserves, ecoregion boundary maps, and state natural heritage programs tracking rare communities.
Foundational Ecosystem Information
National Databases
NatureServe Explorer (USA) - Searchable database of conservation status, distribution, and ecology for species and ecosystems across North America.
EPA Level III/IV Ecoregions (USA) - EPA's ecoregion classification maps, used to define the boundaries and characteristics of the Temperate Prairies region and its sub-regions.
Reference Landscapes
The Nature Conservancy (USA) - National conservation nonprofit protecting and restoring prairie landscapes through state-level preserves, land protection, and prescribed fire management.
Platte Land Trust (KS/MO/NE/IA) - Volunteer-run land trust protecting natural areas across the four-corners region.
Grasslands Heritage Foundation (KS) - Kansas-based land trust preserving native tallgrass prairie remnants through acquisition and stewardship.
Kansas Land Trust (KS) - Kansas land trust conserving ecologically and culturally significant lands, including prairie remnants, through easements.
Missouri Land Trust Coalition (MO) - Association of Missouri land trusts working to protect natural, community, and farm landscapes statewide, including prairie remnants.
Grand Prairie Friends (IL) - Volunteer-driven land trust and conservation organization preserving and restoring natural areas across east-central Illinois.
The Nature Conservancy Canada (CAD) - Canadian branch of TNC, protecting prairie and grassland habitat nationwide in partnership with First Nations and provincial governments.
Kansas Natural Heritage Inventory (KS) - Kansas's official database tracking rare species, natural communities, and high-quality natural areas statewide.
Missouri Natural Heritage Program (MO) - Missouri's program tracking rare, threatened, and endangered species and natural communities to guide conservation and development decisions.
Nebraska Natural Heritage Program (NE) - Nebraska's official database tracking the location and status of the state's rarest species and natural communities.
Iowa State Extension (IA) - Iowa State's extension hub for land management, prairie restoration, and natural resource guidance for landowners and professionals.
