Prescribed Burns

Historically, fire was one of the most important ecological processes that maintained prairies. In the gulf coast region it is believed that fires occurred every 3-5 years, and in some cases every other year. Fire has the ability to set back any woody vegetation encroaching onto a prairie as well as put nutrients back into the soil. Fire also opens up the grass canopy and allows sunlight to hit the ground which promotes germination of new grass and forb seeds. Perennial grasses come back stronger and more food sources are available to different wildlife species.

Coastal Prairie restoration requires constant yearly management. The below video of a burn was one of a series of burns in a checkerboard fashion on approximately 1/3 of the entire restored habitat. Burning in this fashion ensures wildlife habitat, plant health (reduces thatch), provides higher quality forage for livestock and aids in reducing ever-present brush encroachment.