Native plants are crucial to preserving the unique and important biodiversity of the northern Great Plains. However, invasive species have wreaked havoc on what were once pristine grasslands in South Dakota, North Dakota and Nebraska.
The federal government has taken notice of this issue and has begun efforts to restore the native grasses and wildflowers in the many national parks of the northern Great Plains. To facilitate this effort, Lora Perkins, associate professor in South Dakota State University's Department of Natural Resource Management, is working with the National Park Service on a three-year, $900,000 project.
Perkins and her research team will build on ongoing federally-funded research efforts and established capacity through SDSU's Native Plant Initiative—a project led by Perkins that began in 2019.
Historically, the northern Great Plains had an abundance of native grasses and wildflowers. These provided the foundation for insects, pollinators, birds and other wildlife. When European settlers moved into the area during the 1800s, invasive plants began sprouting and spreading. While some efforts were made to remove the invasive plants, eventually the grasslands, wetlands and woodlands in the region were all heavily impacted. Along with historic drought conditions, scientists have blamed the removal of deep-rooted native grasses as one of the underlying causes of the 1930s Dust Bowl—one of the worst man-made ecological disasters in modern U.S. history.
Today, efforts are focused on restoring native species.
"There's a lot of cultural heritage with having these plants that historically were very abundant and have gone away," Perkins said. "A lot of them are unique species that only occur here in our region. We should be embracing them and celebrating them."
In response, SDSU began a research program—the Native Plant Initiative—to provide research and educational opportunities to students interested in the conservation and restoration of native plant species. The program also encourages the use of native plants by small family farmers as alternative crops.
"So few grasslands remain that we need to maximize the biodiversity of native plants in every area possible," Perkins said. "This new reality requires a more thorough understanding of native plant restoration and production than currently exists for native plants in the northern Great Plains."
Source: sdstate.edu
Photo Credit: South Dakota State University
Categories: South Dakota, Education