An Iconic American Landscape

North America’s Central Grasslands once covered over 550 million acres, stretching from Canada to Mexico, and are now among the most endangered ecosystems on Earth. This landscape was shaped by fire, drought, and vast herds of grazing bison. Throughout human history, people have actively molded the landscape, and in response, the landscape has left its mark on our lives and cultures. Since time immemorial, Indigenous Peoples have harvested bison and plants and used fire to maintain the health of this ecosystem. While much of our grasslands have been lost to alternative land uses, like row-crop agriculture, our remaining grasslands support vibrant rural communities.
Strengthening Agricultural Economies
Enhancing Wildlife Habitat
Promoting Climate Resilience
Supporting Indigenous Knowledge & Cultural Traditions

A Critical Ecosystem in Collapse

Healthy grasslands are vital to not only the people who live, work, and play here but also to the hundreds of plants and animals that share this landscape with us. Grasslands are integral to global food systems, providing livestock forage, beef, and dairy to people around the world. Well-managed grasslands also enrich soils, filter and store water, and are a source of cultural identity. In the last 200 years, however, more than 60% of the Central Grasslands have been lost to development, large-scale crop conversion, and the encroachment of trees and shrubs into prairies.

It’s up to all of us to chart the future of the Central Grasslands – through creative partnerships, we can sustain and restore an iconic American landscape, and ensure the health and vitality of this ecosystem so that all people and wildlife thrive now and into the future.

Learn more about the JV8 Central Grasslands Initiative’s business plan to conserve this iconic American landscape.

Recovering Central Grasslands – Together

The JV8 business plan sets a path to maintain the Central Grasslands and slow bird population declines.

Protection

Maintaining large blocks of grasslands

Restoration

Reestablishing healthy habitat on altered lands

Enhancement

Improving damaged grasslands

Persistence/Retention

Keeping working intact grasslands healthy

We must scale up capacity to steward working grasslands. Our Goals:

Habitat Conservation Staff by 2027

Acres with Conservation Actions by 2034

Activity Acres by 2044

Get Involved

JV8 brings together landowners, farmers and ranchers, policy makers, funders, conservationists, and others who are committed to conserving North America’s Central Grasslands. Reach out to learn more or join the effort.

Get Involved

JV8 brings together landowners, farmers and ranchers, policy makers, funders, conservationists, and others who are committed to conserving North America’s Central Grasslands. Reach out to learn more or join the effort.