The Nature Conservancy

From synergy

Daeg Byrne and Grace Diehl, 2 employees of South Sound The Nature Conservancy will give a talk on prairie conservation efforts in Washington as well as give a brief history of the South Sound prairies. Discussion is encouraged, while they will be answering tough questions like 'is managed disturbance such asfire and vegetation removal considered suatainable restoration?'

Join us: Wednesday May 6th Seminar 2 building A1107 1 PM- 2PM

The prairies and oak woodlands that were once common in South Puget Sound are now almost gone. The Nature Conservancy works with many partners to protect and restore these irreplaceable treasures for the colorful wild flowers, butterflies, and birds that call them home—and for the people who treasure them.

Today, only three percent of our native prairies remain. Grasslands are among the least protected and most threatened habitat types on Earth. Like grasslands around the world, the South Sound Prairies have supported human life for countless generations, while also providing critical habitat for multitudes of plants and animals.

• The Nature Conservancy is working with public and private partners to establish a network of parks and preserves that will safeguard this irreplaceable natural treasure. Through the partnership, the Conservancy will add an additional 7,000 acres, doubling the prairie and oak woodlands currently dedicated for conservation.

• The Conservancy and its partners have an active prescribed fire program on the prairies. The program was recently selected as a demonstration site for the national Fire Learning Network.

• Conservancy professionals, aided by dozens of volunteers, are working tirelessly to restore the historic prairies. Every week volunteers meet to collect seeds, remove Scotch broom and conifers, and propagate native plants. People of all ages have contributed thousands of hours and planted more than a million native plants, restoring and enhancing several thousand acres.

• Along with its partners, the Conservancy continues to advocate for funding to protect more prairie lands. Each year a little more prairie is reclaimed, and public appreciation for this imperiled landscape continues to deepen.