Prairies need to be burned periodically in order to maintain and rejuvenate the prairie vegetation and community. For more information on prairie burns and prairies you can go to http://www.fws.gov/midwest/Fire/downloads/fire_brochure.pdf

Wildlife also is rarely affected because they have an instinct, such as frogs and insects, to go underground or run from the flames. The burn is controlled and actually goes slowly. We chose to backfire (burning into the wind), which provides more avenues of escape, esp. for small mammals. We also chose to burn on April 6, 2005 precisely because it would have the least impact on the wildlife in the area. Below you can see before, during, and after photos.  Periodic update photos will be added so you can see the overall affects of the burn on the prairie throughout the spring and summer. Enjoy.

(Last updated September 23, 2005)

A special thanks to the Pierceton Fire Department. Thank you for doing the burn for us!

(September 15, 2005)