Ecosystems of the Oregon Trail

The pioneers traveled hundreds of miles through many different types of lands. They traveled through the Great Plains, forests, over mountains, and crossed rivers. Imagine all the different types of plants and animals they encountered!

What ecosystems did the pioneers encounter along their journey? What types of plants and animals did they find?  Were they the same the whole journey?

You will be investigating the different ecosystems found in the United States, and particularly focusing on the ecosystems the pioneers traveled through.

Then, learn about North America’s greatest ecosystem, the prairie.  Where are the prairies that the pioneers encountered?  How have these ecosystems changed?  What do they look like now?  How can you help save them?