Free State Prairie
​
Lawrence Free State High School
Prairie Management
​
Prairies evolved under conditions of periodic fire and seasonal grazing. Consequently, in prairie restoration and conservation efforts, these conditions must be replicated to assure that the native plants flourish while non-native species and woody species are eliminated, or at least discouraged.
Intentional, periodic burning is necessary to destroy the growing tips of woody species, stimulate the germination and growth of prairie species, and remove the buildup of thatch (dead plant matter) that can restrict the growth of new plants. Fire quickly reduces the dead plant matter from the previous growing season and returns those nutrients to the soil. Additionally, after fire moves across the landscape, the blackened earth absorbs more energy from the sun, heats up earlier in the spring, and accelerates germination and growth of plants.
Grazers come in all sizes from large mammals such as bison to tiny insects like grasshoppers. The larger of these animals turn the soil with their hooves and return nutrients in their waste to the soil. By clipping off the tops of grasses, grazers stimulate growth in native plants and can destroy the growing tips of shrubs and woody plants. Herbivores such as bison have historically served as keystone species in the prairie where their selective grazing of grasses allows other prairie plants to compete, thus increasing biodiversity.
​
Prairie managers use diverse tools to maintain healthy prairie communities. In addition to burning and grazing, many prairies meadows are mowed for hay. Managers also carefully apply herbicides in some situations to control nonnative, invasive plants.
