Open Landscapes for Grassland Birds

Trees are one of the largest threats to prairie nesting birds after habitat loss. Some birds simply avoid grasslands with the visual obstruction of trees on the horizon. Trees also provide perches and dens for numerous species of nest predators. Removing trees from native prairie will help not only our namesake bird, the greater prairie chicken, but should also help numerous other species of birds and wildlife. Because 99% of Minnesotas prairies have been lost, most of these species are classified as SGCN by the DNR and watch lists from NGOs and the USFWS. By removing the trees, this project will also help numerous species of plants by increasing the light availability on the ground.