Spilling Thought: Here’s a dramatic shot of sage steppe desert at #Seedskadee National #WildlifeRefuge in #Wyoming. Nicknamed the sagebrush sea, the #sagebrush landscape spans 11 western states. While this landscape might look like a barren desert, the sagebrush steppe is home to more than 350 #wildlife species, including elk, pronghorn, golden eagles and the sage grouse. Called an indicator species, the #sagegrouse provides biologists with an early warning about the state of other species that call the sagebrush home. After years of decline, public and private partners embarked on the largest conservation effort in U.S. history to restore sagebrush habitat and protect the sage grouse. It led to a huge #WildlifeWin -- the sage grouse no longer faces the risk of extinction. More work will needed to be done in the future, but we’re happy to celebrate this great conservation success! Photo by @usfws. by usinterior