Exploring hidden connections of the prairie

Nature Conservancy’s Chris Helzer says healthy prairies depend on diversity, resilience, land management

  • A metallic green sweat bee collects pollen from a prickly poppy flower in the Nebraska Sandhills.
    A metallic green sweat bee collects pollen from a prickly poppy flower in the Nebraska Sandhills.
  • Chris Helzer was one of three keynote speakers during the Grain Place Foundation’s Field Day, explaining the concept and significance of what he calls ecological resilience.
    Chris Helzer was one of three keynote speakers during the Grain Place Foundation’s Field Day, explaining the concept and significance of what he calls ecological resilience.

    For Chris Helzer, a prescribed burn isn’t simply about managing grass.It’s about influencing where bison graze, where mice feel safe, where owls hunt, which flowers bloom, which insects survive and, ultimately, whether an entire prairie ecosystem remains resilient for generations to come.Speaking during the Grain Place Foundation Field Day July 18 near Aurora, the longtime Nature Conservancy ecolo…