Prescribed fire is an important tool that helps manage natural areas, promotes biodiversity, and suppresses invasive plant species. In Missouri – woodlands, savannas, prairies, and other natural communities evolved with fire and therefore benefit from prescribed burns every two to three years. Late winter burning removes the unwanted vegetation and allows sunlight to warm the soil, aiding seed germination. Burning also helps control some herbaceous invasive plants and sets back many unwanted tree and shrub seedlings.
In February, as part of the ongoing maintenance of our 34 acre reconstructed prairie at Bluebird Meadow, we conducted our second prescribed burn led by DJM Ecological Services. Formerly a sod farm, it’s now a thriving prairie and natural floodplain for Dardenne Creek that offers valuable resources to pollinators, birds and wildlife. It’s also a picturesque landscape enjoyed by the people who walk, ride bikes or run along the greenway.