Prairies evolved under the pressure of fire and grazing.  Without ongoing maintenance, woody species encroach upon grasslands and would eventually overshadow the sun-loving prairie species. 

 

In the absence of large, grazing mammals, periodic burning of the prairie helps reduce the number of woody and non-native invasive plants at the site.  Westar's (now Evergy's) Green Team has led these prescribed burns each spring for the past five years.

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Many KU scientists, especially Dr. Kelly Kindscher (Environmental Studies Program, Kansas Biological Survey), Dr. Bryan Foster (Department of Ecology

and Evolutionary Biology, Kansas Biological Survey), and Dr. Helen Alexander (Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology) have provided important advice on management activities.