meadow

A meadow is typically a flat area covered in tall grass. These grasslands are found in diverse environments and can be shaped by factors like climate, soil, and human activity. While some grasslands are natural, many are maintained by human practices such as grazing, burning, or cultivation.123

Meadows can support a variety of wildlife and are home to numerous plant and animal species. For example, the meadow vole, a common North American mammal, inhabits meadows, fields, and pastures, feeding on grasses and other herbaceous plants. Various types of grasses, such as meadow grass (Poa) and meadow foxtail (Alopecurus pratensis), thrive in these moist environments. Grasslands play a significant role in the global carbon cycle, storing substantial amounts of carbon in their soils.4563