Restoring Nebraska’s prairie, supporting the next generation

The UNK Native Area is a sustainability project that is transforming three acres of underused campus landscape into a native Nebraska prairie. Inspired by the ecology of the Great Plains, the project reflects the University of Nebraska at Kearney’s commitment to environmental stewardship while creating a space for learning, research, and connection.

Planted in spring 2026, the prairie was established through a mix of no-till drilling, hand seeding, and supplemental watering during the early stages of growth. Once established, the site will need far fewer resources than traditional turfgrass, including less irrigation, fertilizer, and routine maintenance.

By the Numbers

  • 4Native Prairie Grasses
  • 24Native Wildflower Species
  • 0Permanent Irrigation

Rebuilding the Native Prairie

For thousands of years, native grasslands covered much of central Nebraska. They supported a wide range of wildlife and played an important role in the region’s natural history. The UNK Native Area honors that legacy by restoring a portion of campus with plant species native to the Great Plains.

Brick building exterior with tall arched windows and landscaped plants along a concrete walkway, with a "RENDERING" label in the top right.The prairie includes four warm-season grasses that are central to Nebraska’s historic prairie ecosystem:

  • Buffalograss (Bouteloua dactyloides)
  • Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)
  • Blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis)
  • Sideoats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula)

These grasses are well suited to Nebraska’s climate and, once established, require minimal irrigation and maintenance.

The result is a resilient native landscape that shows how sustainability can also be beautiful, practical, and distinctly Nebraskan.

Wildflowers

The planting also includes 24 native wildflower species, such as purple coneflower, blanketflower, leadplant, wild bergamot, showy milkweed, stiff goldenrod, black-eyed Susan, New England aster, and prairie clover. Together, these plants will provide blooms throughout the growing season and important nectar and pollen resources for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

Designed for Learning and Community

The Native Area was designed to function both as an ecological restoration and as a welcoming campus destination.

Students and faculty can use the site to study native ecosystems, pollinators, prairie restoration, soil health, sustainable landscape management, and ecological resilience. The space also creates opportunities for interdisciplinary learning in biology, environmental science, agriculture, education, and other programs.

Landscape rendering of a circular gravel gathering area with stone bench blocks, surrounded by prairie grasses and wildflowers in a park setting.As the prairie matures, it will continue to offer students a hands-on way to experience Nebraska’s native ecosystems.

Natural limestone seating blocks and aggregate walking paths create space for outdoor classes, small group conversations, quiet reflection, and informal gatherings. Whether it is being used for teaching, research, or a walk outdoors, the Native Area invites visitors to slow down and experience the landscape in a new way.

an aerial view of west campus

Sustainability

The UNK Native Area supports the university’s long-term sustainability goals by:

  • Conserving water through drought-tolerant native plants.
  • Eliminating routine fertilizer needs after establishment.
  • Reducing mowing, trimming, and herbicide use.
  • Improving biodiversity and habitat for pollinators and wildlife.
  • Creating opportunities for research, teaching, and experiential learning.
  • Demonstrating sustainable landscape practices that can inform future campus projects.