The central grasslands support significant biodiversity and parts of the ecoregion are known for being in the top ten ecoregions for reptiles, birds, butterflies, and tree species. The grasslands are dependent upon fires for both its survival and renewal as it keeps the grasslands from turning into a forest. That renewal process lends itself toward fostering diverse plant species with over 100 different plants found in less than 5 acres. The range covers parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, North and South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri.
Foraging Central Grasslands, written by local wilderness expert Bo Brown, highlights about a hundred commonly found edibles from ubiquitous herbs to endemic species. With sidebars, recipes, helpful tips, and toxin warnings throughout, Foraging Central Grasslands is the only guidebook the outdoor enthusiast will need to pick it, cook it, and eat it.