Update: Originally scheduled for April 28, the prairie burn has been moved up to April 25 at approximately 2 p.m. due to declining weather the rest of the week.
The protected prairie surrounding Kent State University’s Student Recreation and Wellness Center will be burned on Thursday, April 28, at 1 p.m. to allow for new growth during the summer season.
The city of Kent Fire Department will conduct the burning of the prairie, which has been a yearly practice since 2004. Burning of the prairie on April 28 is dependent on the weather and the Kent Fire Department not being out on a run.
The burning of the prairie helps control the spread of invasive plants, puts nutrients back into the soil and encourages diversity of plants.
“The blackened ground allows the sun to warm the soil, stimulating the grasses to grow,” says Heather White, grounds manager at Kent State’s University Facilities Management. “The prairie contributes to sustainability on campus because it is a low-maintenance landscape that saves the university from having to spend money on lawn fertilization, weed control and mowing an additional 10 acres.”