Carbondale Reporter

John A. Logan College recently issued the following announcement.

On Saturday, November 3, 2018, John A. Logan College, in conjunction with the Southern Illinois Prescribed Burn Association, SIU-C Dept. of Forestry, The Nature Conservancy, University of Illinois and Champaign, the U of I Extension Office, Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge Fire Management team and the Harrison Bruce Village Master Naturalists and Gardeners will participate in a prescribed burn of the prairie directly behind the Mees Village Centre.

The control burn will be for an approximately one-acre field that was planted as a prairie several years ago, but, has become overgrown with invasive plants. The burn is a natural process that will allow for the restoration of prairie grasses and wild flowers specific to our Southern Illinois region.

Natural occurring prairie areas retain their “prairie” state of vegetation due to fires occurring from natural causes (lightening) throughout the years. Natural prairie plants rejuvenate and thrive after a fire. So, the life cycle of prairie land continues in the rebirth of prairie vegetation.

The burn of our area will allow it be restored to its initial intended purpose as a learning showcase prairie habitat. As prairie vegetation returns in the Spring (and supplemental seed planting restores lost plant varieties) the field will also serve as a Monarch Butterfly waystation during migration seasons.

Weather permitting, the burn will take place Saturday morning. The process will take no more than 20 minutes during which smoke will be emanating from this area on our campus and is no cause for alarm. All necessary permits and authorizations required have been approved and the burn will be controlled by professionals from the various organizations listed above.

The College is very appreciative of all the cooperating agencies providing these services at no cost to the College.

Original source can be found here.