Fire Helps Prairie Grounds Flourish

Mahaska County Conservation recently conducted a prescribed burn at the Environmental Learning Center.

May 5th, 2023

Oskaloosa, Iowa – Grass fire season appears to be wrapping up around Iowa, and not long ago, Mahaska County Conservation hosted a controlled burn at the Environmental Learning Center.

The prairie grass surrounding the center was recently burned to help control invasive plants and provide nutrients for the native prairie grass and flowers.

Laura DeCook, Naturalist with Mahaska County, talked with Oskaloosa News about the process.

The park rangers and director conducted the prescribed burn after working out a plan to keep things safe for travelers on the highway and nearby structures. “We’ve been waiting for an opportunity just like this,” said DeCook during the recent burn.

Natural features like creeks create suitable buffers and setting backfires that blacken an area and help control the primary fire as it works across open ground.

The Mahaska County Conservation Center has also begun to open on Saturdays to allow residents and visitors easier access to the facility.

Check the Mahaska County Conservation website HERE or their Facebook page HERE for more information.