Burn an Acre at Richard Bong State Recreation Area
Using fire as a renewable resource
Restore
After the prairie is burned, it appears to be void of life. However, deep under the soil the root systems of many native plant species survive. The charred remains are great for absorbing heat energy from the sun which results in warmer soil temperatures. These warm soil temperatures are ideal for fast germination and growth of the native species.
Respond
Without the competition from invasive species, the native plants are able to grow to full beauty. With your help we can begin this remediating process, which is a necessary tool to the restoration of Richard Bong State Recreation Area’s natural prairies and oak savannas. For a donation as little as ten dollars you can help “burn an acre.”
Recycle
Living plant species withdraw nutrients from the soil, potentially depleting valuable nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Burning both living and decomposing plants is a quick and effective way to return these nutrients back into the soil where native prairie species can use them to regrow.
Donate
Would you like to help Burn an Acre? Download the Brochure.
