Grasslands are rich in biodiversity, home to a wide array of plants and wildlife, and have an important role in storing carbon. Grasslands also play a crucial role in agriculture and food security, as a large number of our grasslands are used for farming purposes like grazing livestock. This ecosystem is also heavily impacted by agricultural practices. The danger of losing grasslands through conversion of land to other uses means not only losing important species of plants and animals that rely on these ecosystems for survival, but also risking the release of significant amounts of carbon into the atmosphere. Grasslands, in particular native grasslands, are the single most endangered ecosystem in Canada. Through reconciliation, Indigenous-led stewardship, and working with farmers, we can help protect and restore grasslands across the country.

Grasslands play a critical role in nature-based solutions. They:

• store massive amounts of carbon in their soil and roots
• can retain water in their soil to help withstand droughts
• provide habitat for wildlife, in particular many species at risk
• are home to many of Canada’s Indigenous nations

You can support our grasslands by:

• planting only native, grassland species if you live in grassland areas
• supporting farming practices that help grasslands, such as rotational animal grazing, which can have multiple benefits like promoting the growth of native grasses and storing carbon
• donating time or money to organizations that help conserve grasslands here in Canada
• learning more about Indigenous-led initiatives and how you can get involved in your community