Why Meadows Are So Important

What is a Meadow?

A meadow is a diverse habitat that is dominated by grasses, grass-like plants, and wildflowers. It is the first stage of ecological succession after a disturbance such as wildfires, drought, storm damage, human interference, or mass die-off of trees.

Image of a meadow with dandelions.

Why are they important?

A lack of a canopy provides unobstructed access to sunlight that many herbaceous plants need to survive. These plants attract pollinators that also attract predators. These relationships are the basis of a diverse food web and healthy ecosystem. Meadows are also an important element in the water cycle and carbon sequestration. The dense deep roots of the vegetation act as a filter and trap pollutants, excess nutrients, and carbon.

Unfortunately, meadows are becoming less common due to urban development. This has negatively impacted species that are dependent on meadows to survive. One of the most famous endangered species being the Monarch butterfly. Pollinators are extremely important for all food webs. Even food webs including us! Without them we face the collapse of many ecosystems.

Here are some species that call meadows home!

Click on their names to learn more about them!