Sagebrush
Community
The sagebrush community is more than just sage grouse and wildlife. It’s the people, too, and the vast complex and wondrous habitats that support all life.
We invite you to explore the natural and cultural history of the sage grouse. Then, delve into what makes the sagebrush-steppe so special – the habitat that shelters hundreds of other wildlife species. Learn about our fastest North American animal, the pronghorn, and a pygmy rabbit that fits inside of your palm. And finally, meet the people who maintain it all, living and working hard each day in the ranching communities throughout sage grouse country of the west.
The Bird
Lewis and Clark first recorded sage grouse in Montana, naming the bird the “cock-of-the-plains.” Learn the history, seasonal life, viewing opportunities, and download a great coloring book for kids.
The Habitat
Just how much space do sage grouse need? Try several townships or 230 square miles. Find out more about the vast sagebrush-steppe and keeping sage grouse habitat intact.
The Wildlife
Under the “umbrella” of sage grouse fall hundreds of other kinds of wildlife that benefit when we work to conserve the bird’s habitats.
The People
Branding cattle, delivering calves in a snowstorm at midnight, and riding horseback across the sagebrush … step into the lives of the people of the sage lands of the west.