This Burn is for the Birds

Two and a half weeks ago we conducted a prescribed burn as a necessary practice to reinvigorate the tall grass prairie planting out behind the house.  

Fire acts to reduce the intrusion of trees and shrubs that shade-out warm-season grasses and forbs.  Following a burn the blackened earth is a nutrient-rich stockpile of charred plant remains that quickly absorb the spring sunlight.  These warming soils are receptive to the germination of dormant seeds and the growth of established native plants with root networks deep underground.  As it would be expected things are greening-up rather nicely.

click on image to enlarge

And some interesting stuff was revealed.

Be sure to check back tomorrow morning to read more...