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Weaving Grasses – Cultural and Ecological Grassland Restoration Hub in the Great Plains
Trust T1
- Climate Zones
- Temperate grassland with four distinct seasons.
- Regenerative Focus
- Prairie restoration, regenerative grazing, cultural preservation.
About this land node
Weaving Grasses revives prairie ecosystems and cultural heritage by blending Blackfeet ecological knowledge with science-based restoration, supporting biodiversity, pollinators, and soil health while empowering local communities.
Overview
- Project Vision
- Restore prairie ecosystems and empower Indigenous-led conservation.
- Project Purpose
- Restore grasslands, preserve Indigenous cultural traditions, and build climate-adaptive economies through regenerative grazing, native grass restoration, and digital education.
- Project Title
- Weaving Grasses
- Political Location
- Montana State, USA
Ecology & biodiversity
- Flora & Fauna
- Grasses, sagebrush, bison, pronghorns, prairie dogs, birds of prey.
- Keystone species
- Prairie dogs, ecosystem engineers providing habitat for other species.
- Biodiversity context
- Part of the Northern Great Plains biodiversity corridor.
- Ecological corridors
- Connects Yellowstone to Glacier National Park for wildlife movement.
- Natural boundaries
- Within the Yellowstone River watershed and Northern Plains grasslands.
- Ecosystem unity
- Temperate grassland ecosystem forming a mosaic of prairie, riparian zones, and hills, supporting migration of herbivores and birds, and connecting Yellowstone to Glacier National Park.
Climate & water
- Climate Zones
- Temperate grassland with four distinct seasons.
- Rainfall patterns
- Rainy seasons May–Sep (~50 mm/month peak); cold winters Nov–Mar.
- Average Rainfall
- 400–600 mm/year
- Temperature Extremes
- -15°C to 30°C
- Average Temperature
- 10°C average
- Watershed
- Yellowstone River watershed feeding into the Missouri River.
- Aquifers & groundwater
- Sustainable aquifer use with rainwater harvesting.
- Nearby water bodies
- ≈10 km to Yellowstone River; ≈50 km to Missouri River
Land & terrain
- Elevation & slope
- 800–1,200 m; flat to gently rolling.
- Landforms
- Grassland plains with small hills and coulees.
- Soil Types
- Loamy fertile soils capable of supporting prairie restoration.
- Soil health
- Moderate organic matter, improving with cover crops and grazing management.
- Erosion risk
- Low risk due to flat terrain; mitigated by native vegetation.
- Natural resources
- Water, soil, biodiversity, medicinal plants.
- Renewable resource potential
- Solar energy, biomass from grasses, rainwater catchment.
People & history
- Land Acknowledgements
- Honours Blackfeet people’s sustainable stewardship.
- Traditional ecological knowledge
- Blackfeet knowledge of grassland management and cultural weaving.
- Human Cultures
- Blackfeet Nation and ranching communities with deep prairie stewardship traditions.
- Cultural continuity
- Blackfeet communities, eco-tourists, researchers
- Cultural landscapes
- Restored prairies, cultural sites, community gathering spaces.
- Recent land history
- Historic agricultural expansion now replaced with community-led restoration.
Regenerative practice
- Regenerative Focus
- Prairie restoration, regenerative grazing, cultural preservation.
- Regenerative Methodologies
- Native grass seeding, controlled grazing, prescribed burns, pollinator habitat creation.
- Environmental objectives
- Enhance biodiversity, sequester carbon, rebuild soil health.
- Community objectives
- Support cultural preservation, provide education, foster socio-economic resilience.
- Community engagement
- Workshops, eco‑tours, cultural events, online learning platforms.
- Economic Model
- Donations, eco‑tourism, cultural grants, regenerative agriculture revenue.
Impact
- Expressed Impact
- Restored 150 hectares, increased biodiversity by 10%, engaged 200+ locals, preserved cultural practices.
- Key impact metrics
- Hectares restored, biodiversity increase, cultural events held, community members engaged.
Visiting & links
- Nearest urban centres
- ≈50 km from Billings.
- Website
- https://www.ecosystemrestorationcommunities.org/community/weaving-grasses-usa/
- Social media
- https://www.instagram.com/ecorestorationcommunities