The Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) and American Prairie Reserve (APR) are collaborating to protect and restore one of North America’s greatest treasures—the prairie. Together, they will work to better understand how changes to the grasslands affect the wildlife that call it home—from the mighty bison to the tiniest insects—and ultimately reintroduce native carnivores onto APR lands in northeastern Montana. This collaboration is made possible by the generous support of John and Adrienne Mars. SCBI scientists will help APR study the link between land management and biodiversity, focusing on important species such as bison and prairie dogs. These landscape engineers shape the prairie ecosystem for other bird and mammal species such as burrowing owls and swift foxes. SCBI ecologists will measure the diversity of breeding birds and large mammals, map the mosaic of landscapes and test survey methods for birds and mammals. The Smithsonian’s research will be used to develop planning tools that highlight how different long-term management strategies will affect biodiversity.