Ecosystems Resources

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) - Protects and restores prairie landscapes across the region through state-level preserves, land protection programs, and restoration efforts, including prescribed fire management, prairie and grassland restoration, and habitat conservation. 

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) - Conserves ecologically and culturally significant Kansas lands, including prairie remnants, through easements. 

Grand Prairie Friends (IL) - Grand Prairie Friends is a volunteer-driven, not-for-profit, conservation organization and land trust composed of people from many walks of life who share a commitment to preserve and restore natural areas in 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.

Natural Heritage

Oklahoma Natural Heritage Inventory (OK) - Oklahoma's official database tracking the state's rare plants, animals, and natural communities. 

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 comprehensive source for information on the status and location of Nebraska's rarest species. 

 

Extension & Land Management

University of Missouri Grassland Extension Project (MO) - The collaborative effort combines the expertise of both MU Extension and MDC in promoting the adoption of native grasses for economic and conservation benefits. 

Iowa State Extension (IA) - Iowa State's extension hub for land management, prairie restoration, and natural resource guidance for landowners and professionals.