April 2, 2021 WMU recently conducted a prescribed burn in two different areas of the Asylum Lake Preserve. A number of acres of the prairie along Drake Rd. and a smaller section of forest along the southeast side of the lake were set on fire and carefully monitored by Plantwise LLC, a professional crew hired by the Management Council. Local firefighters and volunteers assisted the crews. These burns have been conducted a few times in the Preserve and are a tool to help restore the ecosystems to a more natural state. They help to control invasive species, unwanted weeds, encourage new growth and seed and flower production of native species, as well as welcome new insect and animal species to the area. The burn has been viewed as very successful and new growth can already been seen.
