Fire on the Landscape: Why We Do Prescribed Burns

While a school group was walking through the marsh, one student looked at the burnt ground and said, “Whoa! Who set the marsh on fire?” I laughed and said, “We did! It might look bleak and barren now, but this fire actually helps the wetland stay healthy.”

If you’ve been by the marsh and have seen the burned areas or maybe even saw the smoke rising from Eagle Marsh last week, you are not alone. Our recent prescribed burn brought a lot of attention, along with questions and misconceptions. In this post, I will explain why fire is an important tool for healthy wetlands and what goes into a controlled, intentional burn.

Fire on the Landscape

Fire has always had a place in the landscape, helping create and maintain many different ecosystems, including the open wetlands that once covered our area. These fires were naturally lit by lightning and then intentionally set by Indigenous peoples. You can learn more about Indigenous fire practices here. Many ecosystems developed with fire as a part of their cycle, and many native plants grow stronger after a burn because fire reduces competition and puts nutrients back into the soil. Without fire, invasive species can move in, brush can take over, and habitat quality can decline.

Controlled burns help us remove accumulated plant material, improve habitat structure for wildlife by clearing dead debris, reduce trees/shrubs that would shade out wetland species, and slow the spread of invasive species. To have healthy wetlands, we need sunlight, open areas, and the recycling of nutrients back into the soil so plants can use them. 

What Goes Into a Burn

A prescribed burn requires a ton of planning, which is then coordinated and carried out by trained professionals. With our most recent and many past burns, we have partnered with Blue Heron Ministries, along with other experienced burn professionals, shout out to Betsy Yankowiak and LC Nature Park.

 Conditions have to be right so we can remain in control of the prescribed burn, so every burn includes:

• A detailed plan that covers weather, wind direction, humidity, boundaries, and safety

• A trained burn crew with certifications and experience

• Firebreaks to keep the burn contained

• Proper equipment such as water tanks, radios, flappers, drip torches, and safety gear

• Monitoring before, during, and after the burn

A common misconception is that burns harm wildlife. On our preserves, we burn in predetermined sections rather than all at once, which allows wildlife plenty of refuge areas to move away from the low-intensity prescribed burn generally. Wetlands also naturally include safe zones, such as wet areas where animals can retreat. Our goal is not to burn the entire marsh; it is to create a healthier wetland, which can improve biodiversity. 

Why It Matters

Whether the burn occurs in late fall or spring, it can look pretty barren and dark afterwards. But once the growing season returns, those areas will fill in with new growth that is better for wildlife habitat. 

Burning helps us manage invasive species, like reed canary grass. In the spring, many invasive plants “green up” early and stay green longer than native species. Early growth allows our stewards to identify invasives that stand out against still-dormant native species, which helps with targeted herbicide application. By burning in the fall, we remove accumulated plant material and weaken invasives before the spring growing season, giving native plants a better chance to thrive.

Prescribed fire is just one way we care for the land, helping it remain resilient for years to come.

If you see a burn at any of our preserves, just know that we are thinking about the well-being of our wetlands, and you can trust that it is carried out with careful planning and professional experience. And if you ever have questions, we are always glad to talk about the process and its purpose.

Learn more about Prescribed Burning, here!