Restored coastal prairie at WARC in Lafayette, LA greens up quickly followed a control burn

Restored coastal prairie at WARC in Lafayette, LA greens up quickly followed a control burn. Many prairie species depend on fire for seed production because it removes accumulated plant litter, allowing the seeds to make contact with the soil. Burning is the natural mechanism by which the coastal prairie renews itself. Fire prevents woody plants from establishing, stimulates seed germination, replenishes nutrients, and allows light to reach young leaves. The deep roots of coastal prairie plants allow these species to survive frequent (every 1 to 3 years) and necessary burns.