Prairie: what have you done for me lately? (Prairie Economics 101)

Prairie: what have you done for me lately? (Prairie Economics 101)

Author: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources August 16, 2022 Duration: 59:51
One of the hardest things to quantify is how much things like clean air, drinkable water, flood control, and healthy soils are worth. How do you quantify the benefit of these ecosystem services and what is the cost when we lose the land that provides them? Arguably, even harder to quantify are the intangible benefits like mental health and well-being, spiritual connections, and a sense of peace one can derive from the prairie. From pheasant hunting to an improved quality of life, we've done the math to help you make dollars and ‘sense' out of the prairie.

Step into a landscape of rustling grasses and hidden life with Minnesota DNR Prairie Pod. Produced by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, this series explores the intricate world of the tallgrass prairie, an ecosystem that once dominated the continent and now requires careful attention. Each episode brings forward voices from the field-ecologists, land managers, and conservationists-who share their direct experiences and ongoing work. Conversations delve into the practical challenges of restoration, the surprising science behind fire-dependent landscapes, and the quiet beauty found in a blooming prairie patch. You might hear about the specific management of a state wildlife area, the return of a native plant species, or the collaborative efforts between private landowners and public agencies. It’s a mix of grounded storytelling and accessible science, offering a deeper appreciation for a place that is both resilient and fragile. This podcast connects you to the ongoing story of Minnesota's natural heritage, emphasizing that understanding this complex habitat is the first step in ensuring its future. The dialogue is genuine, often recorded on-site, making you feel like you’re standing right there in the wind.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 50

Minnesota DNR Prairie Pod
Podcast Episodes
Prairie's importance as a mental health refuge [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:01
On today's podcast we'll be chatting with Verónica Jaralambides, DNR's Marketing Consultant with the Division of Parks and Trails as well as local medical doctor, Ann Vogel where they share with us prairie's importance a…
The How not the Cow (Restoration Series: Grazing Grasslands) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:27
Today's podcast is talking about grazing grasslands. Grasslands rely on disturbance for their survival. The challenge is building disturbance back into a landscape that's deeply fragmented. Luckily we have two smart scie…
Tohan tataŋkaḣca kiŋ hdipi (When the Bison Came Home) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:14
Today's podcast is talking about a very special occurrence that happened right here in southern Minnesota just outside of the City of Mankato. It's a story of healing, Dakota history, ecology, and restoration of a landsc…
Holiday Bonus Episode! (Stories from the Field) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:39
The Minnesota Prairie is a legacy that connects us through the sounds, sights, smells and memories for all who are lucky enough to stop and take notice. This year, for the holiday #prairiepod we offer you the power of pr…