The large intact sagebrush tracts needed by these wide-ranging birds to survive are fragmented and damaged. It is estimated that sage grouse populations have declined between 17 and 47 percent. The black-tailed prairie dog is a keystone species of the prairie whose plight reflects the peril prairie ecosystems face. Habitat conversion, unregulated shooting, government-sanctioned poisoning and sylvatic plague has caused their populations to plummet. This program, geared for grades K-12, offers teacher workshops, classroom materials and web resources.
Volunteers also lead workshops in classrooms.
Backyard Wildlife Habitat Backyards can be great habitats for wildlife if they offer food, water, cover and places to raise young. This program teaches people how to assess their yard and make it wildlife-friendly. Then the yard can be certified. Now schools and businesses are getting involved too. All rights reserved.