The four founding directors of EcoSun are seasoned Ph. D. researchers from South Dakota State University (Brookings) and the Agricultural Research Service (Mandan, ND). Their expertise includes landscape, grassland, and wetland ecology; forage crops (emphasizing the establishment and management of native grasses); soil quality; animal, rangeland, and pasture management; and agricultural economics. The directors are well-published with over 100 years of combined research experience. Two other key collaborators (Dr. Vance Owens, SDSU and Dr. David Archer, ARS-Mandan) bring to the project expertise in native grass biofuels and agricultural economics. Craig Novotny (M. S.; SDSU) is grassland and wetland restorationist for the project.

EcoSun projects are guided by the following principles of ecological and economic sustainability:

Economic profitability and sustainability are enhanced by the development of diverse income streams, including the sale of prairie hay and native grass seed; on-site production of meat from grass; production of cellulose-based biofuels from native tall grass stands; sale of carbon sequestration credits; marketing of medicinal and ornamental native plants; educational seminars and ecotourism; and recreation, including nature study and wildlife viewing.

Demonstrations are to be conducted on working, tax-paying farms

Reduced need for pesticides by emphasizing the establishment of grassland communities (rather than monocultures) of locally-adapted native grass and forb species and varieties.

Demonstration farms are to be powered by cellulosic-derived ethanol and by electricity and hydrogen from farm-scale wind turbines; excess electricity generated to be sold on local power grid.

Only farming practices that would increase soil carbon stocks, and thereby reduce the threat of global warming, will be implemented. Furthermore, EcoSun has adopted a firm policy of no net loss of soil on its farms.

Natural ecosystems such as wetlands and riparian areas drained or removed by previous farm operators would be restored or rehabilitated.

Compatibility between grass production (e.g., prairie cordgrass) and seasonally-flooded wetlands and naturally sub-irrigated meadows will be demonstrated.

Research and monitoring needed to answer key questions will be conducted . Farm-scale economic analyses will be conducted to determine grass farm profitability.

The public will be invited to demonstration farms to see a Prairie Farm in action.