In May, prairies across Three Rivers Park District were ablaze in flames. The natural resources management team from Three Rivers deliberately set fire to prairies at designated parks to help them thrive.  

Each spring, the Park District uses controlled, carefully managed fires to burn off non-native grasses and other plant species that have crowded out native grasses and flowers. While these fires might look dramatic, they’re a vital tool in prairie restoration. 

How Fire Helps Native Prairie Plants 

Because native plants have evolved with fire over the centuries and adapted to it, these spring fires have a variety of benefits for a restored prairie. One benefit of spring fires is the impact that it has on non-native cool season grasses.

The fire burns off the non-native grasses while they are just starting to turn green giving many later warm season grasses that are native a head start. The results of those spring burns become most visible by mid-summer, when the prairies burst into color. 

Peak Prairie Bloom: What to Look for in the Summer 

Mid-summer is when you can head out on the trails and really see the prairie come alive with unique plants that emerge in restored prairies. Steven Hogg, Senior Wildlife Manager for Three Rivers Park District, says July is a peak time to see the prairie. 

“Plants in bloom right now include butterfly weed, coneflower, lead plant, showy tick-trefoil, wild bergamot, golden aster, white and purple prairie clover, blue vervain, mountain mint, prairie phlox and giant St. John's wort,” Hogg said. 

Where to Find Restored Prairies in Three Rivers 

 If you’re inspired to see the blooms in person, there are plenty of parks to explore. Three Rivers Park District has restored roughly 1,600 acres of prairie, including: 

• 840 acres of Crow-Hassan Park Reserve
• 400 acres of Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve
• 165 acres of Carver Park Reserve 

But Hogg says the work is not done.  

Fall Prairie Seed Collection in the Parks 

That ongoing work continues into the fall and the public is invited to take part. Starting at the end of August, and running through mid-October, volunteers help collect seeds from prairie flowers that will then be used in the future to sow the prairie and grow even more prairie flowers.

“I really encourage people to come out and visit the prairie in the next few weeks while they can really see the variety of all the different flowering plants in bloom,” Hogg said. “And if people want to come out and help collect wildflower seeds this fall, they are certainly welcome,” Hogg added. 

Members of the public who would like to participate in prairie seed collection this fall can register online with no previous experience required; Three Rivers staff will provide training at the beginning of each session. 

Engage with Restored Prairies in Three Rivers 

From spring burns to fall seed collection, every season brings new life and new opportunities to engage with restored prairies in Three Rivers. 

Whether you're walking the trails in peak bloom or getting your hands dirty as a volunteer, these prairies are a reminder of the resilience of native landscapes and the community effort it takes to protect them. 

About the Author

Tom Knisely has been the media relations contact for Three Rivers Park District since 2007. 

What little free time he has is spent on the water or in the woods.