Capturing Our Carbon Emissions

Did You Know?

Our forests, wildflowers, prairies, shrubs, and grassland are critical in capturing our carbon emissions. For instance, one acre of native prairie land and forests can store about 3 tons of carbon dioxide in its roots and soil each year.

During photosynthesis, plants take in water from the soil through their roots and capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through tiny holes under the leaves called stomata.

When water and carbon dioxide enter the plant’s cells, the process produces sugar and oxygen, energy for the plant to live and grow. Plants sequester most of their carbon in the roots and soil. The extra carbon the plant doesn’t need for growth is released through the roots and into the soil to feed microorganisms.

Common Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis)