Why Grow Native Grass?

Native prairie historically grew over millions of acres from south-central Canada, through the Midwest, all the way to Mexico.  But those grasses have been largely plowed under for agriculture.  Today less than one percent of the original prairie remains.  Wildlife that depend on prairies have declined as well including bison and quail.  

The Grand Prairie is a special type of prairie found in eastern Arkansas.  Its grasses are specially adapted to the local climate.  To bring back the Grand Prairie we need local seed from the Grand Prairie itself.  The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff is growing seed they harvested from the prairie.  They’ve figured out how to grow native warm season grass and produce seed in a production system.  But they need more acreage to meet the demand for this Grand Prairie seed variety.  
 
Farmers can produce that seed, with guidance from technical and financial assistance from the NATIVE project, and make money and help the environment at the same time.
 
Native warm season grasses have many benefits:
  • Locally adapted to the Delta’s climate so they need little maintenance once established
  • After established, easily manage with haying, mowing, burning, or grazing
  • No herbicide and little irrigation needed – saves money compared to row crops
  • Long-lived perennials with deep roots that will grow and produce seed year after year
  • Makes great hay for ground cover or feed stock
  • Has great biofuel potential
  • Provides habitat for wildlife like deer, quail, songbirds, and others
  • Protects water and soil - reduces erosion, adds soil nutrients, acts as a buffer for streams
  • Will not creep into cultivated fields
  • A stand of native grass is attractive (popular with landscapers)