The Benefits of Grazing in Grassland Restoration

Start Date

04/04/2024

End Date

04/04/2024

Description

Prior to European settlement, native grasslands were heavily influenced by fire and the subsequent herbivory of many native grazers including elk and bison. Today, only a small fraction of these once pervasive grasslands exist, leading to a considerable interest in their restoration. Reintroducing a grazing regime to these restored grasslands is essential to capitalizing on the true ecological treasures that prairies possess. As many of these grasslands are working lands, Rick will describe the “conservation grazing” methodology, an approach that falls at the intersection of restoration ecology and ranching, and is of equal value to practitioners of both.

Distance Learning

Yes

Course Equivalency

Subjects

Agriculture / Local Food Production
Rural Landscape

Health, Safety and Welfare

Yes

Hours

1.25

Learning Outcomes

1. Understand the historical role grazing played in pre-settlement grasslands and its importance in modern day native grassland restorations.
2. Examine techniques for establishment and management of native grassland restorations.
3. Understand the symbiotic relationship between grassland-obligate wildlife and managed grazing in native grasslands.

Instructors

Rick Rath

Course Codes

Provider

New Directions in the American Landscape

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