How CRP Benefits the Greater Prairie-Chicken

1. Habitat Restoration: CRP lands are converted into native grasslands, restoring habitats that are crucial for the survival of the Greater Prairie-Chicken.

2. Enhanced Connectivity: By enrolling large areas of land, CRP helps create corridors that connect fragmented habitats, allowing for greater movement and genetic exchange among prairie-chicken populations.

3. Support for Sustainable Practices: CRP encourages landowners to adopt sustainable grazing and land management practices, reducing disturbances to prairie-chicken habitats.

A Greater Prairie Chicken displays its vibrant orange air sacs and striking feather patterns during a mating dance in the grasslands.

Wings Over Wisconsin: Partnering for Prairie-Chicken Conservation

Wings Over Wisconsin (WOW) is a grassroots nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of Wisconsin's native wildlife and habitats. Through its local chapters, WOW collaborates with landowners, conservation groups, and government agencies to restore and maintain critical grassland habitats. These efforts include planting native grasses, conducting prescribed burns, and removing invasive species—practices that enhance the quality of habitats for prairie-chickens and other wildlife.

WOW also supports educational programs and volunteer opportunities, fostering community involvement in conservation initiatives. By partnering with organizations like WOW, CRP enhances its impact on prairie-chicken conservation in Wisconsin.

How You Can Get Involved

• Enroll Land in CRP: If you're a landowner, consider enrolling your land in the CRP to contribute to habitat restoration efforts.

• Support Conservation Organizations: Join or donate to groups like Wings Over Wisconsin that are actively involved in habitat restoration and species protection.

• Advocate for Responsible Land Use: Engage in public discussions about land use and development projects that may impact critical habitats.

• Participate in Volunteer Programs: Get involved in local conservation efforts through volunteer opportunities offered by organizations and agencies.

• Educate and Raise Awareness: Share information about the Greater Prairie-Chicken and its conservation needs with your community.

  
  

The Greater Prairie-Chicken is more than just a bird; it is a symbol of Wisconsin's rich natural heritage and the ongoing need for dedicated conservation efforts. By supporting habitat restoration and responsible land management through programs like CRP, we can help ensure that the "booming" of these remarkable birds continues to echo across Wisconsin's grasslands for generations to come.