In Finding the Palouse Prairie, Matthew Dolkas tells the story of the Palouse Prairie. He has devoted two years to this project, seeking to inspire us with images of this endangered ecoregion. His purpose in telling this story is to advocate for the restoration and protection of the remaining prairie.

The native habitat of the Palouse has almost been entirely plowed under. Of the once continuous Palouse Prairie, less then 1% remains, making it one of the most critically endangered ecoregions in the country. The little that is remaining is fragmented into small, isolated pockets, which are still threatened by weed invasion, urbanization, and agricultural practices.

But there is still time to make a difference: the decisions we make, both individually and as a community, are reflected in our landscapes. We should choose to make decisions that protect the land’s diversity for both our benefit and for the future’s. We should do so without regrets or inhibitions because it is the right thing to do now, regardless of what happens in the future.

Foreword by Mayor Nancy Chaney