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The prairie might just be the most underappreciated landscape in the United States. Beginning in the early 1800s, the majority of these grasslands were converted into big industrial farms. Now, some unaffectionately refer to it as “flyover country.”
Host Ira Flatow talks with Dave Hage and Josephine Marcotty, authors of Sea of Grass: The Conquest, Ruin and Redemption of Nature on the American Prairie, about the loss of biodiversity on the American prairie and those working to restore what remains.
Further Reading
- Keep the conversation going! Join the SciFri Book Club community as we discuss Sea of Grass.
- Learn the science of soil as you explore its composition, texture, and structure through this hands-on engineering activity.
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Segment Guests
Dave Hage
Dave Hage is a longtime environmental reporter and author of Sea of Grass: The Conquest, Ruin and Redemption of Nature on the American Prairie, based in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
Josephine Marcotty
Josephine Marcotty is a longtime environmental reporter and author of Sea of Grass: The Conquest, Ruin and Redemption of Nature on the American Prairie, based in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Segment Transcript
The transcript is being processed. It will be available 2-3 days after this story’s publication date.
Meet the Producers and Host
About Shoshannah Buxbaum
Shoshannah Buxbaum is a producer for Science Friday. She’s particularly drawn to stories about health, psychology, and the environment. She’s a proud New Jersey native and will happily share her opinions on why the state is deserving of a little more love.
About Ira Flatow
Ira Flatow is the founder and host of Science Friday. His green thumb has revived many an office plant at death’s door.