Prescribed Fire

In the early years of the Center, winter fires were used to top-kill tall underbrush and hardwoods in order to start reopening the understory. Repeated entry with winter fire and the eventual reintroduction of summer fire has created a much more open and diverse landscape. Over time the fire has removed much of the hardwood scrub & brush which served primarily as an interceptor of sunlight. In the absence of this shrub layer many of the native legumes, grasses & wildflowers have returned, wildlife habitat is improved and the ability to naturally regenerate longleaf is a reality.