It’s easy to take grass for granted. Whether it’s the manicured lawn in our front yard or the whole grain in our cereal, few appreciate the importance of this humble family of plants, both to human society and natural ecosystems.

Not everyone has taken grass so lightly. “I believe a leaf of grass is no less than the journey-work of the stars,” wrote poet Walt Whitman in his 1855 book “Leaves of Grass.”

Visitors to Explorit Science Center’s “Savvy Stewardship” program this month will have a chance to share Whitman’s wonder as they plant native grasses and learn other ways to make a positive impact on the local landscape. This free evening program is being offered twice, once on Aug. 17 and again on Aug. 24. Both sessions will run from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Explorit, 3141 Fifth St., Davis.

Before the advent of widespread agriculture, Yolo County was home to a diverse community of native perennial grasses. These grasses supported vast herds of tule elk, pronghorn and mule deer as well as smaller mammals, birds and insects. The grass-eaters in turn fed grizzly bears, mountain lions, kit foxes and golden eagles. Native peoples depended on grasses for food, fibers and habitat for game.

The era of elk and grizzlies may be long past, but native grasses still provide food and shelter for local wildlife including jackrabbits, migratory birds and burrowing owls. Native perennials are even being used as forage for livestock as a nutritious and sustainable alternative to exotic and weedy annual grasses favored in the past.

According to City of Davis wildlife biologist John McNerney, the outlook for native grasses in Yolo County is good. “Local municipalities, such as Davis and Winters, are embracing the benefits of native grasses and using them more in urban open space projects and within park and streetscape landscaping,” he said.

McNerney and other City of Davis experts will be on hand at the “Savvy Stewardship” events to guide the grass planting and offer tips to those who would like to landscape with native plants around their home. Three native species of grass will be planted, including the official state grass of California, purple needlegrass (Nassella pulchra). The planting is part of a project to enhance the Mace Ranch Community Park Burrowing Owl Habitat, which is adjacent to Explorit’s Fifth Street location.

“Savvy Stewardship” is the latest in a series of Thursday Evening Family Explorations designed to share the fun of Explorit’s Summer Science Classes with the entire community. “It’s fun to see families participating and learning together,” says Explorit Public Programs Coordinator Megan Chiosso, who is organizing the event. “Plus it’s free!”

“Savvy Stewardship” will also showcase the work of students in two Explorit Summer Science Classes, “Be Resourceful” and “Earth Elements.” Students in the classes will learn about natural resources and the importance of using them wisely.

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Explorit Science Center is at 3141 Fifth St. in East Davis. Public hours are Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Tuesday through Friday from 2 to 4:30 p.m. The current exhibition “Way to Grow: Health and the Human Body” runs through Sept. 10. On Sept. 23, Explorit will open a new exhibition, “Holes: An Opening Into the Sciences,” at its new site, 2801 Second St., Davis. For more information: www.explorit.org (530) 756-0191.