Two Northumberland Land Trust (NLT) properties will be set on fire in coming weeks as the organization prepares for prescribed burns at local nature reserves.
The prescribed burns are set to take place at the Pelton Nature Reserve and McEwen Nature Reserve in mid-to-late April or early May.
According to the trust, these types of burns are essential to restoring and revitalizing native tallgrass prairie habitat by removing invasive species – which tend to sprout early – and encourage the growth of native species.
“Grasslands are of particular interest because such habitats have undergone a drastic reduction in Ontario over the past century,” added John Geale, a property steward at the McEwen reserve and former NLT board member. “As a result, many grassland plant and animal species have similarly declined to the point where many are now considered species at-risk.”
Prescribed burns are intentionally set and professionally managed fires that burn across a pre-determined area under strictly controlled circumstances to restore natural habitat, stressed NLT officials, adding that the fires clear scrub and brush, allowing sunlight to reach the soil where native grassland seeds lie.
“Native prairie species flourish following a fire, restoring the native grassland habitat of the area – burning only occurs under specific weather conditions that will allow a safe and controlled fire.”
This year, costs to cover the burns were funded through public donations, including from the 100-plus Women Who Care Northumberland.
For safety reasons, the public isn’t allowed to access/participate during burn activities.
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)