SYMBIOSIS IN THE PRAIRIE
10 FUN FACTS ABOUT THE
PRAIRIE
Commensalism- Just like water
buffalo, bison stir up insects
while grazing and then prairie
egrets eat the insects.
1. There can be ~100 plant species on 5 acres
Mutualism- There is bacteria in
herbivores stomach that help
with them break down the
cellulose in the plants.
3. Prairie fires are important for rejuvenation
Parasitism- The brown- headed
cowbird lays its eggs in other
birds' nests for them raise their
young. This takes valuable
energy away from the other bird
who needs that energy for raising
their own young.
2. Bison can consume 50-60 lbs. of food/ day
The Gorgeous Green
Grassland
s
Of the Midwest
Jayne Bannister
4. 40% of the US was once prairie land
5. Now only about 1% remains
6. 1 acres contains 24,000 lbs. of roots
7. Used to be 60 million bison roaming the
prairie
Date of publication
8. Grassland is generally used for farming
9. Only less than one percent is not used for
farming
10. The prairie can absorb 9 inches of rain/
hour before runoff.
JEB Prairie Prancing
784 Prairie Rd
Midwest, Kansas
Phone (704) 555-0125
EVER WANTED TO PRANCE ON THE
PRAIRE? WELL NOW YOU CAN!
CLIMATE
WHAT TO WEAR
Average Daily Precipitation: ~0.1 inches
For the most part you will be traveling in a range
vehicle seeing the prairie. However, there will be
times when you will be walking. So this is what
you should have with you:
Average Daily Temperature: 35/ winter & 75/
summer
Average Yearly Precipitation: ~20-35 inches

Hiking/ Snow Boots
Average Yearly Temperature: ~ 50-60oF

Thick Pants (suggest cargo pants)
MONTHLY PRAIRIE TEMPERATURES

Sun protection (sunscreen, hats)
THIS

Think cool in summer and warm in
winter!
We will provide you with binoculars and a first aid
kit. You might not want to forget a camera either;
there are some pretty breath-taking views!
ACTIVITIES
We are going to be doing many things on this
trip, some of these activities are:
MONTHLY PRAIRIE RAINFALL

Deer Hunt- deer abound in the Midwest
and you will have the opportunity to take
a guided hunt on your trip!

Historic Sites- the Midwest is full of
historic sites, from Lewis and Clark to
Native Americans.

And of course don’t forget about
wondrous wildlife watching!
WILDLIFE & PLANTS
Bison are one of the
most recognizable
animals from the prairie.
The bison have a thick
winter coat that they
grow for the chilly winters. They also have sharp,
perfectly shaped horns to fend off predators from
themselves and their offspring.
Prairie Dogs are another
common animal found in the…
Prairie! These furry friends
have adapted to need less
water. If fact they stay hydrated
just through the plats they eat. Prairie dogs also
have very sharp incisors which they use to clip
and eat plants.
Were you wondering why you should wear
pants? It is because of the Stinging Nettle, and if
in contact with bare skin, does just that… stings.
This is one way the plant
avoids being eaten! The
nettle has very hardy
roots to keep it alive in
extreme weather.
Big Bluestem Grass is a common plant that you
will find bison grazing and prairie dogs nibbling.
This grass grows in condensed groups to limit
sun exposure for other
plants. Bluestem also has
deep roots that prevent wind
from bowing dirt away and
exposing the roots.