Lesson Plan 3:
Plant Identification

Basic Principles

Each ecosystem hosts a variety of plants and animals that are uniquely suited to that environment. Sustainability, or a renewable balance between man and nature, is necessary for a healthy ecosystem. People interact with and impact their environment in both positive and negative ways. Healthy rangelands depend on maintaining the water, soil, plant, and animal resources. Active management by ranchers maintains healthy ecosystems. Livestock grazing is compatible with wildlife use and recreation. The aspects of an ecosystem (soil, water, vegetation, animals, etc.) impact and rely upon each other.