NPR's Book of the Day 'Sea of Grass' chronicles the disappearance of the North American prairie
Jun 11, 2025
Explore the vanishing North American prairie, once teeming with bison, elk, and bald eagles. Writers delve into the ecological impacts of industrial agriculture, showcasing how farmlands have replaced vital ecosystems. They celebrate the resilience of prairie grasses and the revival of wildlife in restored areas. Discover the challenges of transforming wetlands into farmland and the environmental degradation that follows. Plus, learn about sustainable farming practices that can help reconnect humanity with the prairie’s beauty.
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Prairie Brings Birds Back
- The first thing Josephine noticed at the prairie was the chorus of songbirds like warblers and finches, making her feel at home.
- Dave noted that animals return quickly once a place is restored to wilderness or natural area.
Compass Plant as Prairie Guide
- Early European settlers feared the prairie for its wild openness unlike the forests they knew.
- They used the compass plant, whose leaves align with cardinal directions, as a natural compass on wagon trains.
Prairie Grass Survival Secrets
- Prairie grasses have most of their growth underground, allowing survival through fires and extreme cold.
- This adaptation lets them thrive in hostile environments where many other plants cannot.