Back to Up From Dust
Up From Dust

Why a prairie scientist spent years photographing a single square meter of land

Sep 5, 2025 · 30 min · Ep 15

Have you ever wondered how much life a tiny patch of land can hold? Nebraska scientist Chris Helzer photographed one square meter of prairie from every angle for two years, getting to know the creatures that call it home. By blending art and science, he hopes to open people's eyes to this underappreciated ecosystem on the Great Plains that is shrinking more and more every year.

More from Up From Dust

Why you should kill your lawn
21 min · Jun 15, 2026
Spying on box turtles
29 min · May 4, 2026
Stargazers, unite for science!
21 min · Feb 2, 2026
Our changing Midwest
19 min · Jan 7, 2026