Rowe Sanctuary was pleased to welcome 300 members of the ranching and conservation communities to the Iain Nicolson Audubon Center in late June, for one of the largest events held to date in the newly constructed building.  

 

The America’s Grasslands Conference is held every other year, organized by the National Wildlife Federation. This large event "is typically attended by researchers, conservation practitioners, and grasslands advocates, including policy experts, project implementation staff, communications staff, and executive directors of local, state, regional, and national environmental nonprofits. Additionally, the conference draws representatives of state and federal agencies, community groups, business, agriculture, and industry." (NWF, 2025)

 

The 2025 conference was held in Kearney, NE and this year's schedule included an Evening Social at Rowe Sanctuary.  Guests were welcomed to the renovated Audubon Center for socializing, entertainment, and prairie walks on the property.  Guests braved rain showers to walk the trails during breaks in the weather and enjoyed an evening on the prairie.

One notable element was the catered meal featuring Audubon Certified Beef. Audubon was a Lead Sponsor for the conference, highlighting the Audubon Certified Ranching program working with ranchers to support wildlife. In this program, ranchers follow herd rotation and other practices to benefit soil fertility, water retention, and biodiversity, while creating habitat for birds, pollinators, and other wildlife.  

 

Audubon staff traveled from around the country to participate in this year's Conference.