2. Prairies Wild! by Karen Gempel

3. What does the word “prairie” mean to you? Do you think of a big empty field?

4. . …or the book Little House on the Prairie?

5. Do you think

6. In fact, wild prairies are beautiful, sweeping lands that have never been touched by a plow or bulldozer!

7. Prairies in America can be made of short, medium, or tall grasses.

8. A true prairie may have astonishing numbers of plant species growing in it (250 or more)! Have dozens of types of grasses, some with roots that reach 20 feet deep into the soil! Have hollows where water collects that are home to ferns and wetland plants

9. Many unusual animals only live on the prairie! -Prairies are the one and only natural home in the world for the magnificent bison!

10. The prairie black-footed ferret is the rarest animal in North America!

11. But there’s a problem. Prairies are among the most endangered ecosystems in the world, even more than rain forests. Only 1/10 of 1% of the original prairie is left in the United States.

12. Prairies disappeared because of the rapid growth of America First farmers, then builders, did not realize the value of prairie land, plants,and animals and destroyed them in the name of progress, without thinking about it.

13. If we do not work hard to save what prairie is left, there could be a terrible chain reaction…

14. For example, When a prairie plant is gone… the insects that pollinate them disappear… and animals that eat those insects disappear… leaving some predators very,very hungry…

15. How can kids help the prairie? Support and visit prairie preservesSupport and visit prairie preserves Learn more about prairie plants and animalsLearn more about prairie plants and animals

16. You can also –Plant native prairie plants at home or start a garden at school, and watch special insects, birds butterflies, and even reptiles arrive!

17. More help for the prairie… Tell adults to STOP spraying poisonous chemicals that kill insects and pollute land,air, and water Write letters to people in government and ask them to help save prairies

18. Who knows? A chemical might be found in a prairie plant that can cure cancer or AIDS! Scientists have found some useful medicines in prairie plants!

19. Click here to watch three short videos about real prairies…

20. Listen to the wind rushing through the prairie grasses…

21. The American prairie took millions of years to create…now only WE can help it to survive for the future!

22. To see more prairie websites, click here