Where We Work
The PPJV covers one-third of North America’s Prairie Pothole Region (PPR), including portions of Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, and Iowa. Just 20% of the grassland in the PPR is protected, which equates to only 6% of the historic extent of grassland area.
Welcome to the Duck Factory
Conservation through Partnerships
Photo: Mitch Kezar for the SD Grassland Coalition and USDA-NRCS
Grassland Bird Habitat Conservation
The PPJV hosts 45-90% of the continental breeding populations for several grassland bird species that are experiencing some of the steepest population declines. The loss of over 70 million acres of grasslands in the PPJV has made grassland birds one of the most imperiled guilds in North America.
Our Amazing Grasslands
What if the “weeds” in your pasture were actually worth more than the grass you’re trying to save? In this episode of Our Amazing Grasslands, produced by the South Dakota Grassland Coalition (SDGC) with support from NRCS, ranchers and researchers team up to measure the real nutritional and economic value of native grasses and forbs. This research—made possible by SDGC through an NRCS grant—demonstrates that healthy, diverse pastures are profitable pastures.
Keep In Touch
Keep up with the latest news on bird and habitat conservation efforts across the Prairie Pothole Joint Venture!
Recent News
Four Square Mile Survey
The Four-Square Mile Breeding Waterfowl Survey (FSMS) is a targeted, long-term monitoring initiative established by scientists from the USGS Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center to
Restoring Minnesota’s Wetlands
Minnesota’s wetland restoration efforts are working to address the loss of critical habitat across the Prairie Pothole Region, with key projects at Butler Lake, Moore
2024 Montana Ducks Unlimited Landowner of the Year: Brian and April Fox
Brian and April Fox of Turner, MT were recently honored as the 2024 MT Ducks Unlimited (DU) Landowner of the Year. DU Biologist Adam McDaniel