Prescribed Burns Preserve Last of Illinois' Native Prairie

The hill prairies found along the bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River represent a significant portion of the last remaining prairies in Illinois. These prairies maintain a foothold on the south-facing bluffs because the dry conditions there favor grassland species. The steady encroachment of trees and shrubs, however, threatens the prairies’ long-term viability. The grasslands need help, and that’s where Land Stewardship Manager Dr. John Lovseth (C'05) and his team come in. Land Stewardship—together with the Principia Fire Brigade and the Department of Biology and Natural Resources—conduct annual prescribed burns to invigorate the prairie species and stop trees and shrubs from taking over. Pruning and light logging also keep the remaining trees from shading out the prairie.

The following pictures are from a prescribed burn in early March ...