UPDATED 4/20/21: The Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ Fire Department has canceled the prairie burn originally scheduled for April 21 and has rescheduled it for April 28. The below article has been updated accordingly.
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The protected prairie surrounding Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ State University’s Warren Student Recreation and Wellness Center will be burned on Wednesday, April 28, starting around 9 a.m. to allow for new growth during the summer season.
The city of Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ Fire Department will conduct the controlled burning of the prairie, which has been a yearly practice since 2004. The prairie burn on April 28 is dependent on the weather and the Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ Fire Department not being called to an emergency.
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. 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.
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Media Contacts:
Rebekkah Berryhill, rberryhi@kent.edu, 330-672-5615
Emily Vincent, evincen2@kent.edu, 330-672-8595