GRASSLANDS & SHRUB-STEPPE HABITATS
What is a grassland?
Grasslands are open, sun-drenched ecosystems dominated by grasses and wildflowers, with few trees. In the Okanagan and Similkameen valleys, they stretch across dry hillsides and valley bottoms, forming one of the most endangered ecosystems in BC. These lands are shaped by fire, drought, wind, and grazing—and have been stewarded by Indigenous peoples since time immemorial.
Not Just Grass
Despite the name, grasslands are rich with biodiversity beyond just grasses. You’ll find wildflowers, bunchgrasses, mosses, lichens, shrubs, and even scattered trees like ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir. Many of these plants are deep-rooted and drought-tolerant, making them well-adapted to the region’s dry climate. Their diversity helps stabilize soils, support pollinators, and maintain healthy watersheds.
Who Lives Here?
Grasslands are essential habitat for many species, including:
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Burrowing Owls and Badgers, who need open areas to nest and hunt
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Deer, elk, and bighorn sheep, who graze on native plants
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Snakes, lizards, and insects that rely on open, warm soils
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At-risk species like Lewis’s Woodpecker, Bees, and Tiger Salamanders
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Even species that live in nearby forests, wetlands, or cliffs use grasslands for part of their lifecycle.
Why is your grassland so important?
Whether you own a few acres or a few hundred, your grassland is part of a bigger landscape.
These open spaces:
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Protect soil from erosion and store water in dry seasons
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Provide forage for livestock and wildlife alike
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Support at-risk species and pollinators critical to farms and gardens
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Connect habitats, helping wildlife move through the landscape safely
Grasslands are disappearing rapidly due to development, invasive species, and land use changes, making every patch that remains even more valuable.
5 Grassland Stewardship Tips
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