By Scout Nelson
Nebraska’s grasslands, which play a vital role in the state’s economy, environment, and cultural heritage, are being highlighted in a new public service announcement campaign. The series features longtime Nebraska volleyball coach John Cook and focuses on the importance of protecting and valuing grassland ecosystems.
The campaign is produced by Platte Basin Timelapse in partnership with the Nebraska Grassland Alliance, the Nebraska Section of the Society for Range Management, and the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Center for Grassland Studies. The videos are set to launch this winter in preparation for the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists.
Filmed at the historic Pitzer Ranch near Ericson, the videos showcase Nebraska’s wide-open prairies and explain why grasslands matter both locally and globally. In the campaign, Cook connects lessons from sports, such as teamwork, resilience, and commitment, to land stewardship and ranching values. These shared principles reflect Nebraska’s land-grant mission of serving people, land, and communities.
“Our grasslands define Nebraska,” Cook said. “They sustain our cattle industry, they provide habitat for wildlife and they shape the character of our state. This is about protecting something that matters deeply — for us and for the generations who will follow.”
Grasslands provide benefits that go far beyond their natural beauty. They support Nebraska’s cattle industry, which remains a major part of the state’s rural economy. Healthy rangelands also protect water quality, improve soil health, store carbon, and provide critical habitat for wildlife. In addition, ranching and prairie life are deeply tied to Nebraska’s history and community traditions.
The PSA campaign is part of the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources’ ongoing effort to help Nebraskans better understand the natural resources that support daily life. Organizers are exploring opportunities to show the videos at Nebraska athletic events this fall, allowing the message to reach audiences across the state.
“As a land-grant institution, we have a responsibility to educate and engage Nebraskans about the resources that sustain our economy, environment and communities,” said Dave Wedin, director of the Center for Grassland Studies. “This campaign is a powerful way to do just that.”
More information is available about Nebraska’s participation in the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists.
Photo Credit: pexels-jeffrey-czum
Categories: Nebraska, General, Government & Policy