Why a prairie scientist spent years photographing a single square meter of land

(Jessica Cornelison / KCUR 89.3)

Have you ever wondered how much life a tiny patch of land can hold? Nebraska scientist Chris Helzer photographed one square meter of prairie from every angle for two years, getting to know the creatures that call it home. By blending art and science, he hopes to open people's eyes to this underappreciated ecosystem on the Great Plains that’s shrinking more and more every year.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Chris Helzer's Square Meter Photography project
• The Nature Conservancy in Nebraska

A few Nebraska hiking tips from Chris Helzer:

• Valentine National Wildlife Refuge
• Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge
• The Niobrara Valley Preserve
• Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands
• The Platte River Prairies
• Spring Creek Prairie

This episode was written, reported and mixed by Celia Llopis-Jepsen. Up From Dust's editors are Mackenzie Martin and Stephen Koranda.