These species provide genetic diversity important to agriculture and medicine. Planted grasslands do not begin to match the diversity found in native prairie. In addition to its importance to wildlife, prairie is also crucial for soil and water conservation. Prairie also provides economic benefits through cattle grazing, haying, and native seed harvesting. When we lose prairie, we lose part of our natural heritage, and we lose a valuable resource.
Conservation is a state of harmony between men and land.
We abuse land because we regard it as a commodity belonging to us. When we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect. Aldo Leopold Wise use of our prairie resources can preserve our natural heritage, while also benefiting mankind. The prairie ecosystem is sustained and maintained by fire, grazing, drought, and other natural forces. The natural forces which shaped our original prairie can be adapted to conserve and manage prairie areas today.