01/24/2026
The native prairie ecosystem supports all of our wildlife, from monarchs to mallards. Many insects rely on native plant species for host plants. Monarch caterpillars eat milkweed, and there are 6 different milkweed species native to the Red River Valley. Some insects depend on one plant species alone. The swamp milkweed beetle primarily uses swamp milkweed plants. A swamp milkweed plant can support many other insect and pollinator species, or even hold a bird’s nest!
Animals like prairie chickens, ducks, birds, and skunks eat insects. Some insects and spiders eat other insects, too. Without abundant insects, these animals have less to eat, and omnivores like skunks will eat the eggs of grassland birds and waterfowl. Instead of targeting nest predators, United Prairie Foundation restores diverse prairie habitat that supports insects, helping feed skunks and allowing ducks to rear their young. Without native plant diversity to support insects, grasslands cannot support diverse wildlife. United Prairie Foundation harvests and plants wild seed from over 100 native prairie plant species to support all native pollinators and wildlife, from monarchs to mallards.
Support United Prairie Foundation on Giving Hearts Day!
https://app.givingheartsday.org/ #/charity/2132
