Sea of Grass

When you hear the phrase “threatened ecosystem” you might think of tropical rainforests, coral reefs, or wetlands. You may be surprised to find that prairies are one of the most threatened ecosystems on Earth. In Sea of Grass journalists Dave Hage and Josephine Marcotty examine the destruction of the North American prairie through industrial farming and explore efforts being made to restore this diverse, extraordinary ecosystem. 

This book is divided into three parts. The first section provides a brief history of prairies in North America including European settler colonialism, the forced dislocation of indigenous people, the plowing of prairies, draining of wetlands, and cycle of nitrogen depletion and fertilizer usage. The second part examines the effects of industrial agriculture including water pollution, soil erosion, and population decline in pollinators. The third part explores large-scale efforts to restore thousands of acres of prairies and grasslands at locations such as Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuge and American Prairie Reserve. It also details steps being taken by some farmers to reduce the impacts of industrial agriculture through methods such as no till planting, planting cover crops after the fall harvest, and diversified crop rotations. 

This book provides a well-researched, thorough look at the complex issues facing American prairies. While the text is heavy with facts, the authors present information in a digestible way. The inclusion of quotes from farmers, ranchers, and researchers provides the reader with a well rounded look at the issues facing prairies. The addition of photos, maps, and diagrams enhance the text and provide the reader with visual material to further their understanding of this ecosystem. The detailed bibliography demonstrates the authors’ credibility on the topic and displays the depth of their research. This book does a fantastic job of documenting the beauty, fragility, and complexity of this forgotten landscape.

 If you want to learn more about environmental issues, check out The Crazies by Amy Gamerman, A Call to Farms by Jennifer Grayson, and Beaverland by Leila Philip.