Half of the protected prairie surrounding Kent State University’s Warren Student Recreation and Wellness Center will be burned on April 13, between the hours of 9 a.m. and noon, to allow for new growth during the summer season.
The city of Kent Fire Department will conduct the controlled burning of the prairie, which has been a yearly practice since 2004. The prairie burn on April 13 is dependent on the weather and the Kent Fire Department not being called to an emergency. (If postponed, the prairie burn will be rescheduled for April 17.)
The burning of the prairie helps control the spread of invasive plants, puts nutrients back into the soil and encourages the diversity of plants.
The blackened ground allows the sun to warm the soil, stimulating the grasses to grow. 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.
Watch a video of the 2016 prairie burn: