Collectively, sagebrush ecosystems are often fondly referred to as the “Sagebrush Sea” for the sweeping views of abundant blue-green sagebrush plants and the wide-open skies that characterize these widespread landscapes in the western US. Beyond the iconic sagebrush plant, these ecosystems are home to a diverse array of native shrubs, grasses, and flowering plants that support a large number of wildlife species, including the greater sage-grouse, mule deer, and pronghorn antelope. 

Sagebrush ecosystems are the picture of the American West. Seas of aromatic bushes spread across the dry, cold-desert landscape, functioning as shelter for some species. Birds and rodents nibble on flowers and grasses, and the sage grouse, a species experiencing dramatic population declines, relies on intact sagebrush habitat to perform its iconic mating dance. Not only is ecological integrity in sagebrush communities critical for wildlife, but humans also rely on sagebrush systems for livestock grazing, recreation, water and nutrient cycle regulation, and cultural significance.