The seasonality of prescribed fire (dormant season vs. late-growing season) can have a tremendous impact on the plant diversity, especially within a prairie ecosystem. Understanding those impacts can help managers determine the correct fire seasonality to meet their resource objectives. Participants will learn about fire seasonality research at Ball State University Field Station and then tour research and demonstration sites at the Purdue University Wildlife Area, and discuss the plant community response to the seasonality of fire in reconstructed prairies. In the afternoon, participants will travel to a nearby preserve to discuss fire management of prairie and oak savanna managed by NICHES Land Trust.

Lunch and round trip transportation to the NICHES site will be provided.

Presenters include:

• Jarred Brooke, Wildlife Extension Specialist, Purdue Extension - Forestry and Natural Resources
• John Taylor, Land Manager, Ball State University Field Station
• NICHES Land Trust staff