Prescribed burn at Matthaei Botanical Gardens. Click here for more photos.

Fire is a critical component of oak-hickory forests, oak savannas and prairie ecosystems. Through the reintroduction of fire by prescribed burning, we can help to reestablish and protect them and all the species which inhabit them.
 
These ecosystems were once common in southeast Michigan. Some of these systems and many remnants still remain and can be found on our properties. Through thousands of years of Native American burning and lightning caused fires, they have adapted to and depend upon frequent fires to maintain their common plant communities and open character. Contact us if you'd like to learn more and become involved in our prescribed fire and Ecological Restoration efforts.