Fire was the significant force which led to the openness and bio-diversity of the Midwest. The periodic fires that swept across the prairies for thousands of years created our prairies, oak savannas and rich woodlands. Our native plants became tolerant of these heat extremeties and fire became neccessary for their survival and reproduction. After european settlement in the 1800s fires were surpressed and became infrequent, leading to a decline in prairie health and overgrowth in our woodlands. Since that time the composition of Midwestern woodlands changed from Oak and Hickory-based to Maple and Ash dominated and our prairies became overgrown and less diverse.
Today, we utilize fire again to assist in the restoration of a natural areas. Considered a very cost effective and organic method of weed control, prescribed fire is continuing a process that started thousands of years ago.
Prairie Works’ burn crew is comprised of trained and knowledgable personnel familiar with the science of prescription fire.
Prescribed Fire Pictures
