There are two types of grasslands found in the Hamilton County Park District. The first is the native prairie that consists of a wide variety of different forb species (flowers) and several varieties of mostly warm season grasses. Most of these areas have been created over many years by the Land Management Staff. The best management practice for this type of grassland is the use of prescribed fire in the late winter to early spring and late fall to early winter.
The second type of grassland that is managed by the Park District is cool season grasslands or meadows. These grasslands are typically made up of non-native grasses and forbs, although many native species do persist in these areas. These areas are managed differently than the native grasslands because they are not adapted to fire. These areas are managed by mowing, typically starting in July and continued through the growing season to keep woody trees and shrubs from taking over.
Prairie Burns
To survive fires, prairie plants have evolved into deep-rooted perennials. Fires once occurred naturally from lightning and were deliberately started by Native Americans to drive game, kill unwanted insects, improve pasture and make travel easier.
