Facilities Management completes burning of the prairie
Whitney Tate
Issue date: 5/1/08 Section: News
After two failed attempts, Facilities Management's Grounds Department successfully completed the burning of a section of prairie on campus this morning.
According to a Facilities Management mass e-mail, the burning of the prairie is a long-time tradition, started by cattle ranchers to grow new grass for the buffalo. This event is geared towards prairie environment management.
The burning usually takes place in early spring, from mid-March to early May, but with rain and high winds affecting earlier attempts, the department is forced to try again.
With a required state permit, SIUE Grounds personnel were on the scene throughout the day to monitor the fire. City administrators, local fire departments, schools and the SIUE community were notified about the event to keep the area well informed and protected.
The burning took place between Stadium Drive and Circle Drive, just off of White Side, on campus at 9 a.m. The burning took approximately two hours.
Kenny Porter, superintendent of the grounds department, said the process is important for rejuvenation.
"The ashes provide nutrients the soil needs for the prairie grass," Porter said.
Other forms of vegetation, including tree types in the area, also benefit from the procedure.
The e-mail said to help establish a thriving ecosystem these fires are essential, and the SIUE Grounds staff knew how to perform the burning safely and effectively.
According to a Facilities Management mass e-mail, the burning of the prairie is a long-time tradition, started by cattle ranchers to grow new grass for the buffalo. This event is geared towards prairie environment management.
The burning usually takes place in early spring, from mid-March to early May, but with rain and high winds affecting earlier attempts, the department is forced to try again.
With a required state permit, SIUE Grounds personnel were on the scene throughout the day to monitor the fire. City administrators, local fire departments, schools and the SIUE community were notified about the event to keep the area well informed and protected.
The burning took place between Stadium Drive and Circle Drive, just off of White Side, on campus at 9 a.m. The burning took approximately two hours.
Kenny Porter, superintendent of the grounds department, said the process is important for rejuvenation.
"The ashes provide nutrients the soil needs for the prairie grass," Porter said.
Other forms of vegetation, including tree types in the area, also benefit from the procedure.
The e-mail said to help establish a thriving ecosystem these fires are essential, and the SIUE Grounds staff knew how to perform the burning safely and effectively.
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