Grasslands: Our Least-Known & Most-Threatened Ecosystem

Join wildlife biologist Beth Madden to learn about the history of grasslands & prairies, why they are so important to help with wildlife, ecological diversity, carbon storage (to help counter climate change) and where you can visit and see grasslands in Montana, Canada, and neighboring states. Beth Madden gives an overview of the history, geography, and ecology of the prairies; including the adaptations of the unique plants and animals that live there, and the ecosystem services that prairies provide. Beth also explores the magnitude of prairie loss, current conservation efforts, and how Montana is a stronghold for these initiatives. About Beth Madden Beth Madden is a wildlife biologist with more than 30 years of experience, mostly as a federal biologist in Montana and North Dakota with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. She has an M.S. in biology from MSU, where her research focused on relationships between prairie birds and fire ecology. Her subsequent work on national wildlife refuges involved managing and monitoring grassland habitats and wildlife. In retirement, she enjoys engaging others in discovering our natural world. This talk is presented by Gallatin Valley Earth Day as part of their 2025 series of "Wild Talks" in partnership with Yellowstonian.