Big Bluestem

The Nature Conservancy has begun an ecological experiment on one of North America's last remaining expanses of grasslands. Beyond simply conserving the place, they are studying it and shaping it anewbringing back bison and seeding with fire to liberate the biodiversity of a land never broken by the plow. Writer Smith was employed to present what is known and being researched concerning the natural ecosystem of the Osage tallgrass prairie, as well as the historical human uses of the prairie that have shaped its attributes. Color photos by Harvey Payne, who grew up and lives in the area, reveal his intimate knowledge and reverence for the land and its flora and fauna.