Saving Texas Prairies and Grasslands
Hi, y’all! Johanna here from the TX Soil Sisters.
(The podcast media player is below w/ links to things we talk about. Or listen here.) This podcast conversation was recorded at the Southern Family Farmers and Food Systems Conference on August 4, 2026.
Less than 1% now remains of Texas’ original native prairies, making them one of the most endangered ecosystems in the world.
In this episode of Soil Sisters, recorded from the Southern Family Farmers and Food Systems Conference, meet Andy Olson, stewardship specialist at Native Prairies Association of Texas (NPAT). Andy helps manage NPAT's 11 fee-simple properties across the state.
TX Soil Sisters with Andy Olson at SFFS Conference on August 4, 2026.
Andy is from central Iowa where he grew to appreciate the tiny remnants of the tallgrass prairie. His love of nature and history led him to earning a master’s degree in cultural resource management from Colorado State University. He worked for the University of Northern Iowa’s Tallgrass Prairie Center where he helped landowners restore native prairie on their farms before joining NPAT.
NPAT is a non-profit land trust dedicated to the conservation, restoration, and appreciation of native prairies, savannas, and other grasslands in Texas. Since 1986, the team at NPAT works to save and steward this irreplaceable part of our Texas heritage.
Today, NPAT protects over 7,000 acres across the state, ensuring these landscapes remain a haven for diverse wildlife, pollinators, and native plants.
This conversation explores why prairies matter, what a healthy prairie ecosystem looks like, and how landowners and everyday citizens can help protect these increasingly threatened landscapes.
Get Involved
Want to learn more about protecting and restoring Texas prairies?
Visit the Native Prairies Association of Texas at texasprairie.org.
You can also support prairie conservation by volunteering, planting native species, learning about your local ecosystem, and connecting with organizations working to protect native plants and grasslands.
Every acre matters. Every native plant matters. Every action matters.
Join us for this conversation about the past, present, and future of Texas prairies—and discover how we can all help create healthier land for generations to come.
Happy farming and healthy living, y’all.
Jo (and Crystal) ❤️
P.S. Receive Our TX Soil Sisters Newsletter by Signing Up Here.
LISTEN TO THE PODCAST HERE:
💚 Our Sponsors walk the walk & talk the talk. 💚
✨ @drinktejastonic - The official beverage of the TX Soil Sisters ✨
When you buy Tejas Tonic you’re supporting a Texas farm that's vertically integrated into Texas-made products. The hemp for this blissful bevvy is organically farmed in the Texas Hill Country. Enjoy 15% off Tejas Tonic w/ code: SISTERS at checkout 💰
⚡️ @b_pelectric - The Soil Sisters Podcast is powered by B&P Electric ⚡️
Whether you’re building, remodeling, installing low-voltage landscape lighting, or in need of an inspection. B&P is your central Texas electrical contractor. Tell ‘em the Soil Sisters sent you. 😎
Save 15% w/ soilsisters15 at checkout.
🔥 FireHawk Bioherbicide 🔥 is a fast acting, non-selective contact herbicide that controls many common broadleaf and grassy weeds. From gardens and homesteads to vineyards and regenerative farms, FireHawk can be used for careful spot treatments around crops, landscapes, and non crop areas. And now FireHawk is available in super concentrate giving growers flexible high performance weed control that mixes easily with water. Learn more at firehawkbioherbicide.com and use code: soilsisters15 to save 15% on your purchase. 🔥
Time Stamps & Links
00:00 Welcome to SFFFS Conference
00:44 Meet Andy Olson
03:24 Texas Prairie Status
04:26 Prairie Ideal Ecosystem
06:13 How Much Is Left
07:08 Threats And Goals
08:14 Landowner Solutions
12:12 CRP And Prairie Strips
13:54 Pollinators And Connectivity
15:50 NPAT Land Trust Basics
17:56 Why NPAT Is Different
20:39 Easements And Rights
22:28 Stewardship Monitoring
25:07 Community And Volunteers
26:43 Help Without Land
27:57 Where To Learn More
28:17 Closing Credits