The Dissected Loess Plains are a National Natural Landmark, designated in 1987.

[1] Loess, wind-blown silt, is a relatively common soil type in the interior of North America.

[1] These deposits are dissected by a set of drainage ravines, canyons, and deep valleys.

[1] The Dissected Loess Plains were identified and published as a unique biome in 1948.

The grass and forbs are eaten by pronghorn, jackrabbits, prairie dogs, and a variety of other rodents.