Today was the first day of the spring prairie burning, Prairies are ecosystem types dependent on burning to renew the nutrients and stop primary succession. Another added benefit to burning at this time of year is that it knocks back the cool season, non-native grasses that often compete in prairies. This is a small 1-acre section on the Meyer property. The now black earth will warm quickly and cause our native grasses and wildflowers to wake up. Prairie fires were common in southern WI because of Native Americans starting the prairies and oak savannah’s on fire to attract wild game to the fresh grass shoots. Lighting fires were more common in northern WI. Prairie plants have extraordinary root systems and are unharmed by fire. Laudato Si’ Project will be burning approximately 8 acres this spring.