The Value of Native Grasslands

Human development, industrial agriculture, the loss of native wildflowers and perennial grasses, and the encroachment of woody species (trees and shrubs) have made native grasslands one of the most endangered ecosystems in the state. In California, 47,000 acres of grassland are converted to agriculture or development every year. Yet, they are one of our most precious assets under a changing climate.

Reservoirs of biodiversity, grasslands support the life cycles of numerous wildlife species and provide critical habitat for 90% of rare or endangered species. They also constitute millions of acres of productive agricultural pasture lands across the state. Healthy grasslands are critical to many ecosystem services including: pollination, soil formation and retention, nutrient cycling and carbon sequestration, water quality and flood control, and climate regulation. 

Ecological Restoration at Pepperwood

Our Approach: Restoring Native Grasslands

Our goal through this initiative is to restore grasslands to their most healthful and productive states.

– Integrate Indigenous perspectives into our collective understanding of the history of this land and the stewardship for its future.

– Demonstrate science- based adaptive management of our 900-acres of grassland using conservation grazing and controlled burning practices.

– Expand ecological monitoring of grasslands, including soil carbon measurements, to support California’s greenhouse gas reduction targets.

– Host and attend gatherings of scientists, land managers, cattle producers, tribes, and agencies to share innovative techniques and best practices and expand public education activities.

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