Area Description:When lightning strikes and sparks fly, one of the most formidable prairie phenomena begins.While appearing fearsome, fire is really a rejuvenating force.To name just a few of fire’s many beneficial qualities: more nutritious grass, healthier forests, more water soaking into our aquifer, and more diverse ecosystems.
Birds: Mourning Dove, Common Nighthawk, Western Wood-peewee, American Crow, House Wren, Mountain Bluebird, American Robin, Yellow Warbler, Spotted Towhee, Lark Sparrow, Western Meadowlark, Brewer’s Blackbird, Brown-headed Cowbird, American Goldfinch
Geology: The cliff is a wonderful example of the Minnelusa Formation. This formation consists of alternating bands of limestone, sandstone, and shale. It formed approximately 320 million years ago.
For Educators:
Thematic Information: When fire comes through and burns up the smaller trees in allows more sunlight into the understory which allows a greater diversity of plants to thrive. The remaining trees also have more sunlight and water leading to a healthier forest that is more robust and resistant to disease and insects. Close packed forests that have not burned in a long time are particularly vulnerable to the Pine beetle.
Recommended Student Activity:
Have students list the benefits of fire:
Returns nutrients to soil
Pushes back the forest and creates more prairie
Thins forest creating more space for the surviving trees