At our 2026 annual retreat, The Prairie Enthusiasts Board of Directors and staff met to determine the organization’s direction and priorities for the next three years. Our 2026-2029 strategic plan was the culmination of our collective review and collaboration. This plan focuses on: strengthening our foundation and increasing our mission impact. We’re excited to share our plans with you, and appreciate your support for this important work!

Hover over each image to learn more about the goal. 

Strengthening Our Foundation

Drive membership and volunteer growth

Increasing Our Mission Impact

Advance land protection and stewardship program

Strengthening Our Foundation

Support Long-Term Growth Through Organizational Structures

The Prairie Enthusiasts will celebrate 40 years in 2027, and we are building the foundation for the next 40 years. By focusing on organizational foundations, including succession planning, Board of Directors structures, Chapter Support staffing, and strong policies and procedures, our work will be more strategic and efficient, increasing impact. 

Improve Financial Resilience 

The majority of The Prairie Enthusiasts support comes from individuals like you. And being good stewards of financial resources means we have a long-term funding plan in place to ensure prairies will continue to get the care they need. The Prairie Enthusiasts will ensure funding sources are diversified and its reserves are robust.

Drive Membership and Volunteer Growth 

When more people learn and care about prairies, more prairies receive the land stewardship they need. We envision a future where our membership and volunteer bases are strong and consistently growing.

Increasing Our Mission Impact

Increase Prescribed Fire Capacity 

Fire is an essential tool for restoring and maintaining prairies. Understanding and resolving the challenges to putting more fire on the land is crucial to keeping these habitats healthy. The Prairie Enthusiasts will ensure Chapters are better-positioned to implement the fire regimes needed to steward properties they care for.

Expand Educational Offerings 

Education is a key element to connecting people to prairies as well as deepening their relationships with these rare habitats, and The Prairie Enthusiasts will be well-positioned to reach interested audiences.

Advance Land Protection and Stewardship Program 

Remnants are slipping away every day. In order to save these threatened places and the wildlife they support, it’s pivotal for The Prairie Enthusiasts to be in a position to act quickly and ensure that the land is not only protected but responsibly stewarded for generations to come.

Help support this important work today!

Strategic plan photo credits:

Lupines at Rattlesnake Ridge by Jessica Bizub.