Areas where burns will be conducted highlighted in GREEN.
(Ames, IA) -- Things might get a little smoky later this month north of Des Moines. The City of Ames says it's planning controlled prairie burns at Moore Memorial Park, Ada Hayden Heritage Park, Christofferson Park, and also at a natural space near the Ames Water Plant.
“Prairie burns provide a healthy disturbance to the native plant ecosystem,” said City Forester Gabbi Edwards in a statement on Wednesday. “Prairie burns help prevent the build-up of dead vegetation; they discourage weeds from taking over native plants, and they improve the habitat for local birds, animals, and insects.”
She also says a burn will help new plants grow.
“A prairie burn is an ecological way to encourage fresh growth in our park’s natural places,” Edwards said, “by next spring, the prairies will sprout quickly and by summer they will look lush and full again.”
The City says notice will be posted before the burns, and that the parks will remain open, though some of the trails might be temporarily closed.
You can read the full press release at the Ames Parks and Recreation website.