NPS Photo.

Restored tallgrass prairie.

"In restoring the prairie grasslands the ultimate aim is to approach as near the original as possible. How near the original we can come is not known. But it would seem desirable to make an effort early in the program to restore some of the more prominent spring, summer and fall flowers to show a part of Nature which no doubt gave some cheer to the first settlers."

--Adolph Murie, 1940

At Homestead National Monument of America, we recognize our natural areas as both an integral part of homesteading history and as a valuable tool for scientific research. Located in southeast Nebraska amidst rolling hills of agricultural fields, the park provides a visual link to the landscape that early settlers would have encountered. The presence of tallgrass prairie, woodland, and creek presents an opportunity to learn about a diverse range of habitats and species.

This mix of resources is likely the reason Daniel Freeman chose this site to homestead. The thick, fertile soils of the tallgrass prairie were ideal for farming. Water was provided by Cub Creek, which runs through the property, and the timber along the creek provided fuel and building material. The natural environment shaped homesteading history and continues to be an important educational resource at Homestead National Monument of America.