Many habitats in the Midwest are adapted to—and sometimes dependent upon—fire. Prairies, savannas, oak woodlands, and even some wetlands require periodic thinning to maintain a diverse assemblage of species. Naturally, fires would occasionally move through these habitats and help remove dead or overabundant above-ground biomass. Not only does fire stimulate the new growth of native species, but it kills non-native invasive species that might otherwise outcompete natives.

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Today, allowing fires to move through our natural areas without careful management can be dangerous. Yet, fire remains an important natural part of many habitats. Thus, in 2018, we created a prescribed burn program to safely incorporate fire into our arsenal of land management tools. Each spring and fall, visitors may see our team burning one of our prairies, our oak savanna, or areas of our oak woodlands.

• Reduce the amount of woody growth in prairie habitat.

• Control invasive plants. Invasive plants have shallower root systems; they are less adapted to fire.

• Reduce thatch layer accumulation. Thatch, a buildup of dead plant material, prevents sunlight from penetrating to the ground and inhibits animal mobility. After burning, plants vigorously sprout.

• Stimulate native seed germination. Black earth warms up faster in early spring, giving seedlings a jump start on the growing season.

• Recycle nutrients. Char is great fertilizer for plants!

When are prescribed burns and how often?

The Nature Center will conduct prescribed burns in the early spring and late fall. These two “burn seasons” occur during the months of February through April, November and December, respectively. Burns must be conducted only when weather and field conditions allow. Oftentimes, the decision to burn or not burn is made in a matter of hours or minutes based on these conditions. How often we burn a particular field depends on our land management objectives. Most of our prairies will be burned on a three-year rotation.

What happens if fields are not burned?

If we do not burn, trees and shrubs, as well as invasive species, move into prairie habitats and crowd out native wildflowers and grasses. Utilizing fire is the most ecologically appropriate and cost-effective management technique to improve the quality of the habitat and control such invaders.

Why are some areas burned, while others are not?

As part of our management plan, some of our fields are left unburned so that wildlife can move from a burned field to an unburned field for food and shelter. Certain animal species prefer fields of different ages or stages. Burning in a rotation allows for multiple stages to occur at the Nature Center at any one time. This follows nationally recognized best management practices regarding prescribed prairie burns.

What training is required of a burn manager?

A burn manager must complete the Ohio Certified Prescribed Fire Manager course offered by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Division of Forestry. One of the prerequisites to apply for the course is to have direct experience on a minimum of 10 prescribed burns. After completing the course, you will receive your certification.

How do fire crews stay safe during prescribed burns?

Our fire crews attend a training workshop that prepares them for what to expect on the day of a prescribed burn. For the actual burn our crews wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as a Nomex suit, leather boots, a helmet with face shield, and gloves. They need to wear natural materials under the suit, goggles, and a respirator as well. A pre-burn safety briefing occurs before we put fire on the ground and weather conditions are checked regularly.

Do prescribed burns take place at both Rowe Woods and Long Branch Farm & Trails?

We have prairies planted at both Rowe Woods and Long Branch Farm & Trails; therefore we will be burning at both locations. Over the next several years, we will continue to plant prairie habitat and manage them with prescribed fire.

How do plants and animals cope with fire?

Our native plants and animals have adapted to fire as part of the ecosystem. Animals in these habitats often leave from the area or burrow into the ground as fire passes through it. Our native prairie plants have deep root systems that allow them to regenerate after a fire. Prescribed burns take place on a 3-year rotation and not all at one time. This allows wildlife to over winter and also avoids box turtle and ground nesting bird seasons.

Should I burn my own property?

Prescribed burns must be performed by an Ohio Certified Prescribed Burn Manager. During burn ban months (March, April, May, October and November), only with the permission of the Chief of the Division of Forestry, are prescribed fires to be conducted. Depending on what your objective for your own property is will depend if you should burn your land.