3 REASONS WHY WE ALL NEED PRAIRIES:  With all the research I have been doing for this prairie mural project Davenport Public Library , I feel more passionate than ever about how important prairie plants are to all of us. 

1. Prairie plants are the ultimate water runoff filtration and carbon reduction device we all need in our yards: native prairie plants can send roots anywhere from 3-20 feet deep into the ground, so they can absorb runoff from fertilizers and pesticides, and other impurities, before they reach our drinking water.

2. Prairie plants are soil builders, soil stabilizers, and drainage experts: Their deep root systems not only help them survive droughts and fire, but they also help stabilize shorelines, improve soil organic matter (some can even produce their own nitrogen), and all those roots improve soil drainage, helping water soak in, thus reducing our need for irrigation.

3. Prairie plants are pollinator hosts: not only are the flowers good for bees and butterflies, but many grasses and early flowering shrubs and trees are hosts to pollinator eggs and caterpillars...even dead stems are housing for some bees and other pollinators.

I found a really great video that encapsulates everything I am learning perfectly! I hope my sharing of what I learn from this project inspires you to learn more and maybe plant a few prairie grasses and flowers in your landscape too!