The Pawnee National Grassland had its origin in the repurchase of 'sub-marginal' lands by the US government in the 30's, and became protected in 1960. The grasslands consist of 193,00 acres of short grass prairie that certain parcels have never seen a plow. Located northeast of Greely, the buttes and prairie provide nesting habitat for hawks, falcons, plovers, owls, and other bird species.