From South Puget Sound, Washington to Switzerland, grasslands cover nearly half the earth’s surface, but are undervalued in their economic and ecological importance to people and wildlife.
A group of City councilmembers, County Commissioners, community members and community organizations gathered May 28th in the evening for a "Grasslands Local to Global" art and photography exhibit. The show explored the connections between Puget Sound grasslands and the species-rich grasslands in other parts of the world, the important role that restoration and grazing animals play in grassland wildlife conservation, and the social and cultural importance of prairies. The event drew folks interested in wildlife, biodiversity, rural land stewardship, and how ruminant animals, wildlife, and pastoral cultures shape some of the worlds most dramatic biomes: the earth's great grasslands.
The exhibit was an opening celebration for the United Nations designated International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists in Olympia, WA.
Local grassland and prairie images were contributed by local livestock producers and prairie conservation organizations including Ecostudies Institute, Withywindle Farm, Tracking Y Ranch, Raine Grazing Services, Lost Peacock Farm, and Riverbrook Ranch. Images drawn from a global context for the exhibit were gathered by local WSU Extension specialist Stephen Bramwell during an 8-month tour of European grasslands.
Local jerky and summer sausage was served from Riverbrook Ranch, cheese from Lost Peacock goat dairy and Domina Dairy, and other local producers and makers.
