The protected prairie surrounding 5X社区鈥檚 Student Recreation and Wellness Center will be burned on Friday, April 26, at approximately 9 a.m. to allow for new growth during the summer season. This is a rescheduled date. The previously planned prairie burn for April 26 was canceled due to rain.
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 May 6 is dependent on the weather and the Kent 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