Our Grasslands
Why Grasslands Matter
Grasslands cover nearly half of Nebraska, making them one of the state’s defining landscapes. From the rolling Sandhills and diverse mixed grass prairies to the rare, remnant tallgrass prairies of the east and hardy shortgrass prairies of the west, these lands sustain ranching families, provide clean water, filter our air, support wildlife, and nurture rural communities.
But they are also among the most threatened ecosystems in the world. Woody plant encroachment, non-native invasive species, and land conversion put pressure on both the land and the people who depend on it.
A Shared Resource,
A Shared Responsibility
Grasslands are more than open spaces—they are working lands, cultural touchstones, and ecological treasures. Their care depends on the collaboration of ranchers, tribal nations, conservationists, communities, and policymakers.
Nebraska’s ranchers and conservation partners are already demonstrating leadership through innovative grazing practices, woody encroachment control, and conservation partnerships. Their efforts show that it is possible to sustain livelihoods while also protecting biodiversity, water, and soil health.
Nebraska’s Changing Grasslands
Forest
Acres: 1,198,119
Water
Acres: 430,399
Developed
Acres: 369,870
Converted / Altered Grasslands
Acres: 23,016,239
“Converted/Altered” indicates historic grassland converted to cropland or encroached by woody plants (with >5% cover).
Core Grasslands
Acres: 15,055,274
“Core” indicates grassland as of 2020 at lower risk of conversion to cropland and least compromised by woody plant encroachment
Vulnerable Grasslands
Acres: 9,384,506
“Vulnerable” indicates intact grassland as of 2020 at high risk of conversion to cropland or woody plant encroachment.
Attribution
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Twidwell Lab (University of Nebraska-Lincoln) -
Sarah Olimb (World Wildlife Fund)
Featured Films & Stories
Cranes, Plains, and a Watershed: A photographer’s journey in flyover country.
Michael Forsberg, Conservation Photographer with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, will present at the First Presbyterian Church in Lincoln, Nebraska at 7:30 pm on April 25, 2026. He will share his photos and stories from a lifetime of photographing wildlife, rangelands, and other landscapes in Nebraska and other parts of the Great Plains.
Grasslands for Generations
Nebraska’s grasslands purify our air and water, provide vital habitat for diverse wildlife, and support the livelihoods of land stewards. Through sustainable ranching and responsible management, we protect these ecosystems for future generations—building a lasting legacy of Grasslands for Generations.
Champions on the Court, Leaders on the Land
Former Nebraska volleyball head coach John Cook draws parallels between championship teams and Nebraska’s grasslands: “On the court, we build success one play at a time. Off the court, we build a legacy by caring for what matters—like our prairies that are vital to our economy, wildlife, water, and way of life. Grasslands for Generations—it’s our home court.”