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Fire is a natural disturbance that has played a significant role in shaping the evolution and composition of our local ecosystems. Many plant communities and organisms are dependent on this disturbance to maintain their habitat. Utilizing fire as a tool in a toolbox of management techniques allows Eco Logic to manage for biodiversity and resilience in the natural areas we are working to restore.
The areas within the Indianapolis Parks system that have been managed with fire thus far are prairie and pollinator plantings of various ages and compositions. Some older plantings were invaded by nonnative woody plants (i.e Asian bush honeysuckle, autumn olive, callery pear, etc.). Here we utilize fire to top kill and set back this invasion which reduces the amount of labor and herbicide needed to permanently control target species.
Younger prairie restorations have also been incorporated into the prescribed fire program. The removal of thatch and recycling of nutrients from burning invigorates the wildflowers and grasses. This makes for a showier display of wildflowers which is attractive to pollinators and human visitors to the parks.
Eco Logic has a certified and experienced prescribed fire crew. Every prescribed fire has a detailed burn plan which describes the specific weather conditions and resources that are required to safely conduct the burn and meet our objectives. Burn plans are shared with local fire departments and they, along with other emergency personnel, are always notified before a prescribed fire takes place.
Fire itself is a natural process that has been largely absent from our landscape for roughly the past 150 years. By using fire in a planned and predictable way we can reach our restoration goals and restore the interaction between native communities and fire.
