Prescribed Burning
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The image shows a prairie area being intentionally burned. These well-planned burns can help keep the ecosystem healthy and safe.
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Lucas County
Iowa Core Standard
MS-LS2-4
Construct an argument supported by empirical evidence that changes to physical or biological components of an ecosystem affect populations
Driving Question
- Why do we intentionally burn our land?
Probing Questions
- What would happen if land never caught fire?
- What considerations need to be analyzed before a burn is done at a location?
Classroom Suggestions
Students could:
- Learn why prescribed burns are done and how they mimic nature, including the the pros and cons of burning.
- Visit with a local fireman and/or a county naturalist who has been involved in the burning process.
- Visit a local prairie and analyze its condition looking at the species diversity and amount of dead organic matter. Discuss whether or not that location would benefit from a prescribed burn.
- Plan a prescribed burn and get the plan analyzed by a professional.
Resources
- Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) | Fire Management: Learn about the fire management practices used by the Iowa DNR.
- Iowa State University Extension | Small Farm Sustainability: Springtime is prescribed fire time in Iowa: A simple overview of prescribed burning in Iowa. This resource is very student-friendly.
Contributors
Submitted by Nathan Van Zante.
Image by Derek Minor.
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