In 2002, a Kansas landowner began restoring 320 neglected acres with winter burns; 20 years later, native tallgrass and wildflowers had returned

Mike Moddrell revived tallgrass prairie on his Kansas land using controlled winter burns. This ancient Indigenous practice effectively combats invasive woody plants and stimulates native grass growth. While fire alone is insufficient, herbicides also help manage non-indigenous species. Such efforts are crucial as less than one percent of tallgrass prairie remains intact. Protecting these grasslands benefits biodiversity, carbon absorption, and water filtration.