With the perpetual concern regarding the state of the earth’s climate change and other geographical concerns, there’s one that many might not be so aware of — the native grasslands of North America, which is one of the continent’s most threatened ecosystems.
A recent South Dakota survey by esteemed political pollster Ann Selzer revealed that more than half of the poll’s respondents were aware of facts related to grasslands’ economic impacts, rain infiltration benefits, and biodiversity.
But less than half of the respondents were aware of key facts regarding grassland-to-cropland conversion threats, carbon storage capacity and native grassland plant functions and root systems. The “Dakota Grasslands, Where Good Things Grow” public service campaign aims to change that by making South Dakotans more aware of, and involved in, protecting and enhancing the health and function of Dakota grasslands.
And one such effort to create awareness involves folk band, Maygen & The Birdatcher.
The Minneapolis-based group joined forces with acclaimed Emmy-nominated filmmaker Joe Dickie along with the South Dakota Grassland Coalition to create a song and music video that serves as a vivid plea for the campaign.
“Where Good Things Grow” is a beautiful folk-fueled ballad chock full of classic acoustic guitar rhythms and stunning fiddle melodies, bolstered by lead singer Maygen Lacey’s rich vocals. Lines like “Take care of the land / It’ll take care of you / Tend to its roots / It’ll tend to yours too,” offer a simple reminder and message to the listener, and they’re delivered in a way that is both resonating and pleading.
The Dickie-produced music video was filmed at The Nature Conservancy’s Chippewa Prairie Complex near Appleton, Minnesota, and displays stunning high-definition visuals, utilizing both wide shots of the landscape and close-ups of plants, wildlife, and the sky. Each of these scenes are cut with shots of band members performing their song amongst the natural beauty, showing the harmony between human and land.
The video itself precedes the launch of the “Where Good Things Grow” public service campaign that will include television and radio public service announcements, an informational website, print advertisements, and learning material for both adults and children.
“When Noah [Neumann] and I were asked to collaborate on this project, we were all in,” Lacey said. “The goals of the public service campaign are right in line with our love of nature, wildlife and the ranching families who are stewards of our remarkable grassland ecosystem. As we wrote the song, our goal was to touch the hearts of those who heard it, so they can feel the love we feel and be motivated to be part of restoring and protecting the health of our beloved grasslands.”
Earlier this year, Maygen and the Birdwatcher took home wins for Album of the Year and Americana Artist of the Year at the Midwest Country Music Organization’s annual awards show. “Where Good Things Grow” follows their previous single, “Rusty Cage,” which dropped in March.
The group hopes the new video and song will raise public awareness regarding the importance of grassland ecosystems and generate support for programs and activities to encourage farmers, ranchers, and state officials to develop programs and policies that preserve and restore the health of North America’s grasslands.
