National Grasslands Week

History of National Grasslands Week

Grasslands are vast, flat stretches of land found on all continents except Antarctica. The most extensive natural grasslands are intermediates between forests and deserts. Forests thrive in damp, humid places with a tall, dense canopy of trees. Tropical grasslands, which often sit between tropical forests and deserts, and temperate grasslands, which generally fall between deserts and temperate forests, are the two greatest areas of natural grassland. Tropical grasslands and savannas share many similarities, and the differentiation between them is based on the number of trees present. Similarly, temperate grasslands may include a scattering of shrubs or trees that confuse their boundaries when near scrublands or temperate forests.

Tropical grasslands are found mostly in the Sahel, East Africa, and Australia. Temperate grasslands are found in North America, Argentina, and a large stretch from Ukraine to China. However, agricultural activities have significantly altered most of these locations. Deserts occur where there is insufficient precipitation to support a continuous vegetation cover. Grasslands sit between these two extremes.

Grasslands are filled with intriguing animals and flora. Even in the severe Arctic climate, healthy grasslands support a great variety of plants and animals. Everything in this vital biosphere is interconnected, right down to the soil.

National Grasslands Week timeline

1862

The Homestead Act

Congress passes the Homestead Act to encourage settlers to move into the still largely unpopulated West on 160-acre plots of land.

1930s

The Land Utilization Program

The federal government, under the Land Utilization Program, purchases more than 11 million acres of unsuitable farmland for planting trees, building water infrastructure, and seeding grassy regions.

1960

National Grasslands

U.S. federal authorities declare certain areas national grasslands.

1996

Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie

The Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie in Illinois becomes the first national tallgrass prairie in the U.S.

National Grasslands Week FAQs

When is National Grasslands Week?

National Grasslands Week 2026 runs from Sunday, June 21 through Saturday, June 27, inviting a full seven days of appreciation for America’s prairie landscapes.

How many national grasslands are there?

The U.S.D.A. Forest Service manages 20 national grasslands, spanning over 4 million acres across 12 western states. These diverse landscapes offer vital habitats and recreational opportunities.

Why are grasslands important?

Grasslands are crucial for biodiversity, supporting a vast array of wildlife including birds, insects, and mammals. They also play a vital role in carbon sequestration, water filtration, and supporting the country’s agricultural economy.

What is the difference between a prairie and a grassland?

While often used interchangeably, ‘prairie’ specifically refers to grasslands in North America, particularly the vast plains of the Midwest. ‘Grassland’ is a broader term for any biome dominated by grasses, found on every continent except Antarctica.

National Grasslands Week Activities

Educate yourself

Do some research on the internet or in a library to find out more about grasslands and their importance. You can also use the week to educate other people as well about the significance of grasslands.

Visit the grasslands

Several grasslands will participate in National Grasslands Week. You can go on any day during the week to visit at least one or several if you have the opportunity.

Make a donation

Donations can be made to grassland conservation organizations to help them continue their efforts. You can help save the grasslands by doing this.

5 Interesting Facts About Grasslands

Animals live in temperate grasslands

Prairie dogs, badgers, coyotes, fast foxes, and a wide variety of birds can be found in temperate grasslands.

African savannas

In the African savannas, for example, zebras, wildebeest, gazelles, and giraffes all rely on vegetation for their survival.

Rainfall varies

The yearly rainfall in grasslands might vary from 10 to 40 inches from year to year and from season to season.

Different names

In the U.S., people call grasslands ‘prairies;’ in South America, they’re known as ‘pampas;’ in Russia and Ukraine, they’re known as ‘steppes;’ and in Africa, they’re known as ‘African savannas.’

Grasslands cover a significant portion of Earth

Grasslands make up a significant portion of the planet’s terrestrial landscape, accounting for 37% of its total land area.

Why We Love National Grasslands Week

Domestic animals

Human welfare can be enhanced in a variety of ways by using grassland products directly. These items can be gathered, consumed, or sold. Domestic animals have relied on grasslands for nourishment for millennia, whether it's in the form of raw grass or hay throughout the winter.

Food production

Global food production relies heavily on ruminant milk and meat produced in grasslands. To feed the world’s growing population, additional food must be sourced from the world’s existing agricultural land base, including grasslands.

We appreciate their many uses

National grasslands encompass some of the most breathtaking natural landscapes in the U.S. These grasslands not only provide a habitat for wildlife and possibilities for recreation but also help to keep a large number of farms and ranches in operation.