THE nature conservancy, South dakota
climate challenge: Increased precipitation
GRANT AWARD: $248,270; YEAR AWARDED: 2018
This project takes place in the Prairie Pothole Region of the northern Great Plains, with a focus on local forb species. Climate models for this region predict warmer, wetter springs which will continue to change the growing seasons and impact prairie plant species. Current plant restoration practices in this area involve re-planting using local seed from a single source, which can compromise biodiversity and climate-resilience for this habitat. This project will implement a restoration strategy using seeds from mixed source populations, increasing the genetic variability of the region and allowing forb species to thrive in current and future climate conditions.