The area around you has been used by people for a very long time. Native American tribes traveled across the plains hunting the migrating bison, elk and pronghorn. The native people had little impact on the land because they seldom settled in one area. They lived off the land and shared it with all forms of wildlife. They knew they must treat the land well so it would return a living to them.

Today we have built houses, cities and roads throughout these wildlands. These are areas we must share with the native plants and animals, which are adapted to this environment. We have taken a diverse prairie community and turned it into fields of alfalfa, corn and wheat. Cropland is needed by all of us. Even though it has decreased available food and habitat for some wildlife, it has benefited other wildlife.

Acknowledging the fact that we need to share all resources with other forms of life is the first step we can take towards improving our own environment.