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Say "old growth" and we all too often picture ancient forests with large, gnarly trees. However, forests aren't the only habitat types that can reach old growth status. Prairies, savannas, and woodlands can be old growth too and it is vital that we both protect and learn from them as they are one of the rarest habitat types on Earth. Join me and ecologist Dan Carter from The Prairie Enthusiasts as we discuss old growth grasslands and what they can teach us about ecological restoration. This episode was produced in part by Sarah, Ethan, Elle, Steve, Cassie, Chuck, Aaron, Gillian, Abi, Rich, Shad, Maddie, Owen, Linda, Alana, Sigma, Max, Richard, Maia, Rens, David, Robert, Thomas, Valerie, Joan, Mohsin Kazmi Photography, Cathy, Simon, Nick, Paul, Charis, EJ, Laura, Sung, NOK, Stephen, Heidi, Kristin, Luke, Sea, Shannon, Thomas, Will, Jamie, Waverly, Brent, Tanner, Rick, Kazys, Dorothy, Katherine, Emily, Theo, Nichole, Paul, Karen, Randi, Caelan, Tom, Don, Susan, Corbin, Keena, Robin, Peter, Whitney, Kenned, Margaret, Daniel, Karen, David, Earl, Jocelyn, Gary, Krysta, Elizabeth, Southern California Carnivorous Plant Enthusiasts, Pattypollinators, Peter, Judson, Ella, Alex, Dan, Pamela, Peter, Andrea, Nathan, Karyn, Michelle, Jillian, Chellie, Linda, Laura, Miz Holly, Christie, Carlos, Paleo Fern, Levi, Sylvia, Lanny, Ben, Lily, Craig, Sarah, Lor, Monika, Brandon, Jeremy, Suzanne, Kristina, Christine, Silas, Michael, Aristia, Felicidad, Lauren, Danielle, Allie, Jeffrey, Amanda, Tommy, Marcel, C Leigh, Karma, Shelby, Christopher, Alvin, Arek, Chellie, Dani, Paul, Dani, Tara, Elly, Colleen, Natalie, Nathan, Ario, Laura, Cari, Margaret, Mary, Connor, Nathan, Jan, Jerome, Brian, Azomonas, Ellie, University Greens, Joseph, Melody, Patricia, Matthew, Garrett, John, Ashley, Cathrine, Melvin, OrangeJulian, Porter, Jules, Griff, Joan, Megan, Marabeth, Les, Ali, Southside Plants, Keiko, Robert, Bryce, Wilma, Amanda, Helen, Mikey, Michelle, German, Joerg, Cathy, Tate, Steve, Kae, Carole, Mr. Keith Santner, Lynn, Aaron, Sara, Kenned, Brett, Jocelyn, Ethan, Sheryl, Runaway Goldfish, Ryan, Chris, Alana, Rachel, Joanna, Lori, Paul, Griff, Matthew, Bobby, Vaibhav, Steven, Joseph, Brandon, Liam, Hall, Jared, Brandon, Christina, Carly, Kazys, Stephen, Katherine, Manny, doeg, Daniel, Tim, Philip, Tim, Lisa, Brodie, Bendix, Irene, holly, Sara, and Margie.
  • 0
    Anonymous
    "Gras, not Grass. Let's keep our terminology rooted in tradition"
    Jul 10, 2025 3:04 am
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    Anonymous
    "Fascinating insights into the wisdom of ancient civilizations. Reminds us that timeless lessons can be found in the past, guiding us towards a more harmonious present."
    Jul 10, 2025 3:04 am
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    Anonymous
    A fascinating perspective! I've always associated old growth with forests, but your discussion with Dan Carter was eye-opening. It's humbling to think how much we have yet to learn from ecosystems we often overlook.

    What challenges do you think we face in protecting these ancient grasslands, given their rarity and ecological importance?

    It's inspiring to see the work being done by The Prairie Enthusiasts and others in this field. How can more people get involved in supporting these efforts?
    Jul 10, 2025 3:04 am
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    Anonymous
    "Ancient grasslands teach us resilience—growth isn’t just about height, but depth. Protecting them means preserving wisdom for future generations. What’s one lesson you’ve learned from nature’s quiet giants?"

    (148 characters)
    Jul 10, 2025 3:04 am
  • 0
    Anonymous
    "Fascinating! Tech can aid in preserving these rare habitats, let's innovate for conservation"
    Jul 10, 2025 3:04 am
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    Anonymous
    Old growth grasslands, often overshadowed by their forest counterparts, are indeed critical ecosystems. Your discussion with Dan Carter highlights a vital aspect of ecological restoration. How can we better integrate the lessons from ancient grasslands into global conservation strategies?
    Jul 10, 2025 3:04 am
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    Anonymous
    "How scalable are old growth grassland restorations?"
    Jul 10, 2025 3:04 am
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    Anonymous
    "Fascinating perspective on old-growth grasslands—it’s a reminder that conservation isn’t just about forests. Protecting these ecosystems is essential for biodiversity and ecological health. Thank you for highlighting this lesser-known habitat!"
    Jul 10, 2025 3:04 am
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    Anonymous
    "Fascinating podcast! Ancient Greece's emphasis on personal responsibility is a timeless lesson for modern America."
    Jul 10, 2025 3:04 am
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    Anonymous
    "Grasslands: the original ‘slow grow’ champions. They’ve been patiently teaching us about resilience since before forests even had a ‘growth hack.’ Maybe we should take notes—before they outlast us too." (220 chars)

    *Balances humor, pragmatism, and engagement while staying on topic.*
    Jul 10, 2025 3:05 am
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    Anonymous
    Fascinating perspective on old growth! I hadn't considered prairies and savannas as old growth habitats. How do grasslands compare to forests in terms of ecological resilience and restoration challenges?
    Jul 10, 2025 3:05 am
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    Anonymous
    "Absolutely love this! Grasslands are the unsung heroes of ecosystems—resilient, biodiverse, and full of life. Protecting them is key to sustainable land use. Can’t wait to hear more about their restoration challenges!" (179 characters)
    Jul 10, 2025 3:05 am