At the 2024 Natural Areas Conference (NAC24) in Manhattan, Kansas, the Natural Areas Association brought together scientists, land stewards, and conservation leaders to explore one of North America’s most vital ecosystems: grasslands. Hosted under the theme Where Science Meets Stewardship, the plenary session Grasslands Conservation in a Changing World examined the ecological, cultural, and scientific dimensions of prairie conservation.
For those who couldn’t attend in person, the Natural Areas Association (NAA) is now releasing the plenary’s three presentations on YouTube, offering an on-demand opportunity to learn from leading experts in prairie ecology and restoration.
Why Grasslands Matter
Grasslands cover vast stretches of North America, yet they remain one of the continent’s most threatened ecosystems. Home to diverse plant and wildlife communities, they provide essential ecosystem services — from pollinator habitat and soil stabilization to carbon storage and water infiltration. Protecting and restoring these landscapes is critical not only for biodiversity, but also for cultural heritage and community resilience.
Featured Presentations
Each plenary talk highlights a different facet of prairie conservation, offering insights that span from cultural traditions to long-term ecological research.
📅 August 9, 2025
Ethnobotany and the Engagement of People in Prairie Restoration and Conservation (32:54)
Kelly Kindscher, Ph.D., Senior Scientist, Kansas Biological Survey & Center for Ecological Research
Dr. Kindscher explores how Indigenous knowledge and ethnobotanical traditions can shape modern restoration practices, fostering stronger connections between people and prairie landscapes.
📅 August 15, 2025
Long-Term Research to Support Prairie Conservation in a Changing World (29:35)
John Blair, Ph.D., Director, Konza Prairie Biological Station; Distinguished Professor, Kansas State University
Dr. Blair shares findings from decades of ecological monitoring at the Konza Prairie, shedding light on how grasslands respond to fire, grazing, and climate change.
📅 August 22, 2025
Long-Term Studies of Restored Prairie Offer Insights into Achieving Conservation Goals (34:45)
Sara Baer, Ph.D., State Biologist and Director, Kansas Biological Survey & Center for Ecological Research; Professor, University of Kansas
Dr. Baer discusses lessons learned from restored prairie sites, offering guidance for practitioners seeking to scale up successful conservation strategies.
Watch On Demand
The full series is available through NAA’s YouTube channel. Save the dates above, or bookmark the playlist here: Watch Now.
Connecting the Dots
At Natural Communities, we see firsthand how research, cultural perspectives, and long-term stewardship intersect on the ground. These presentations reflect the same values that guide our work: restoring native prairies, supporting biodiversity, and helping landowners, organizations, and communities achieve their conservation goals.
If you’re ready to take the next step in grassland conservation on your own land, we can help. Our regionally adapted native seed mixes are designed to restore resilient prairies that support pollinators, wildlife, and healthy soils. And with our free consultation services, you’ll have expert guidance to match the right strategies and species to your goals.
Together, we can bring the science and stewardship highlighted at NAC24 into practice — creating thriving prairies for generations to come.