Grasslands are often associated with Canada's prairie provinces, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta, but they also occur right here in southern Ontario.

Historically, these ecosystems existed in large patches from the southernmost tip of Ontario to as far north as Georgian Bay and as far east as Kingston. Today, they exist only in small, scattered remnants across this range.

Grasslands can be defined as grass-dominated areas where few or no trees grow and include prairies and savannas. They are one of the most endangered ecosystems in the world, even more so than tropical rainforests; less than three percent of the original tall grass prairie in Ontario remains today.

Grasslands are important habitats for over 200 plant and animal species, including many that have become rare or extinct because of loss of this habitat type.