Native Grassland Reconstruction

Native grassland reconstruction is the planting and establishment of a highly diverse grass/forb mix on cropland with species biodiversity naturally found in native prairie. Native grassland reconstruction may be used to transition from cropping to livestock production or to establish new wildlife/pollinator habitat. Reconstructed native grass plantings are made up of a native seed mixture of numerous prairie grasses and forb species to mimic native prairie.

With so little remaining grasslands in the state, protection is not enough, and the need for grassland reconstruction is becoming increasingly more evident. There is a demand from landowners to enroll previously cropped land into a grassland reconstruction program, and by doing this, we will be creating a resource that benefits people, wildlife and cattle, while providing a guaranteed income for landowners.

Benefits

Increased high quality livestock forage
Economic alternative to cropping marginal land
Improved diversity of plant composition
Decreased weed infestations
Improve water quality
Increase wildlife and pollinator habitat
Decreased soil washouts and erosion
Improved animal health and productivity
Increased stocking rates

Learn More

To learn more about these programs, please fill out and submit the contact request form below. Your information will be forwarded to the appropriate partner(s) who will contact you to discuss how their programs might assist you.

Contact Me About a Landowner/Producer Program

Native Grassland Reconstruction Partners

• USDA-NRCS • ND Game and Fish Dept. • US Fish and Wildlife Service • ND Natural Resources Trust • Audubon Dakota • Northern Great Plains Joint Venture • Millborn Seeds

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