About Us
The Heartland I&M Network and Prairie Cluster Prototype Monitoring Program hereafter referred to as the Network results from the integration of the Prairie Cluster Prototype Long-Term Ecological Monitoring Program (PRCL) and the Heartland Inventory and Monitoring Network (HTLN). A proposal to establish The Prairie Cluster Prototype was selected in 1994 as one of eleven programs dedicated to leading the development of scientifically credible and cost-effective monitoring programs in the National Park Service. The prototype programs serve as testing grounds for long-term monitoring, emphasizing the development of sound monitoring protocols, attention to data and data quality issues, and regular reporting of results to management. Prototype programs are centers of excellence and conduct more in-depth monitoring, research, and development to benefit all natural resource parks. The Prairie Cluster Prototype became operational in 2002 after a successful program review. For more information about Prairie Cluster Prototype read the Program Overview and Conceptual Design.
The prototype park units are Agate Fossil Beds NM (AGFO), Effigy Mounds NM (EFMO), Homestead NM of America (HOME), Pipestone NM (PIPE), Scotts Bluff NM (SCBL), Tallgrass Prairie N. Preserve (TAPR) and Wilson’s Creek NB (WICR).
The Heartland Inventory and Monitoring Network received funds in 2001 and is one of 32 NPS I&M networks assisting 270 parks with biological inventories and long-term vital signs monitoring. Parks in each monitoring network will share resources and professional expertise to implement a core program of inventory and monitoring that focuses on the key indicators of change or “vital signs” identified for the network's parks. The Heartland Network is composed of 15 parks in eight Midwestern states representing tallgrass prairie, Ozark highlands, and eastern deciduous forest eco-regions. The Heartland Network park units are: Arkansas Post NM (ARPO), Buffalo NR (BUFF), Cuyahoga Valley NP (CUVA), Effigy Mounds NM (EFMO), George Washington Carver NM (GWCA), Herbert Hoover NHS (HEHO), Homestead NM of America (HOME), Hopewell Culture NHP (HOCU), Hot Springs NP (HOSP), Lincoln Boyhood NM (LIBO), Ozark NSR (OZAR), Pea Ridge NMP (PERI), Pipestone NM (PIPE), Tallgrass Prairie N. Preserve (TAPR), and Wilson’s Creek NB (WICR).