Most of the Domain is characterized by tallgrass prairies, which feature a mix of native grasses adapted to the rocky soil and fierce winds. More than 600 native plant species are found in the eastern prairies, dominated by big and little bluestem, Indiangrass, and switchgrass. Woody shrubs, including sumac and buckbrush, are also found throughout the prairies. The prairie ecosystems depend on periodic fires to clear out woody growth and allow native grasses to thrive. At the eastern edge of the Domain, the prairie meets the eastern deciduous forest, which features a mix of oak, ash, hackberry, and other hardwoods.

The flat prairie landscape and climate have made the region especially attractive for agricultural activities, including growing crops (mainly corn, wheat, and soybeans) and cattle ranching. Human activities have had a profound impact on the land, pushing out native tallgrass species across most of the region.

Aside from land management, the D06 field sites provide a window into the effects of  climate change  and invasive species in the eastern prairies. Average temperatures in Kansas have already risen at least 0.5°F over the last century and are expected to continue to warm over the next several decades. Warmer temperatures lead to greater evaporation and drier soil in the grasslands. At the same time, the timing and volume of precipitation have changed, with a greater likelihood of intense rainstorms and flooding. These changes are expected to have a profound effect on both native habitats and agricultural yields in the coming years.

Another insect mystery – this one involving ticks – has also been uncovered through  NEON sampling . Ticks are found in abundance at the more pristine KONZ and UKFS field sites (samples are archived through the  NEON Biorepository  and the  U.S. National Tick Collection ). Yet, at the agricultural plots at KONA, no ticks were found in 2018 or 2019. Data from the NEON program could help researchers studying tick populations to understand why this discrepancy exists.