Grasslands play a vital role in the economy, ecology, and cultural identity of Nebraska, yet they remain undervalued and often unknown to urban audiences. The United Nations designated 2026 as the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists. As part of this global awareness campaign, the Grassland Advocacy Initiative focuses on bridging the urban-rural divide by educating urban audiences on grasslands’ role in climate resilience, biodiversity and food production and fostering grassland conservation and curiosity among Nebraska’s youth through interactive learning opportunities. By addressing knowledge gaps, the Initiative will elevate grasslands’ visibility and encourage informed, sustainable land management policies and practices.
Recently, Nebraska Volleyball Coach John Cook agreed to be an ambassador for the Initiative and appear on his horse this summer in video recordings highlighting Nebraska’s grasslands. With video production in place, a media blitz is planned to coincide with the International Year of Rangelands 2026 targeting our city cousins.
Contact Bob Broweleit - bentbarc@gmail.com