by Natasha Diamond, FVS Land Steward

Fountain Valley School’s new group of Prairie Partners is off to a great start! This land is what makes our school special, and the 9th-grade Ecology classes are taking the opportunity to learn more about prairie ecosystems and fire ecology on the site of the grass fire we had late in the summer. Grass fires are not surprising this year, as we are in the sixth-driest year in 132 years of data!

Research plots have been established in the burned area and the adjacent unburned area. During their first visit to the site, students documented the species they observed, discussed how prairie grasses coevolved with large grazing animals like bison, and learned how fire was used by early people in this area. The secondary succession now taking place provides opportunities to observe plants such as Engelmann’s milkweed growing in what seems like a barren area devoid of life. Fire can also help reduce the success of invasive species, giving native plants such as this an advantage. If we get a little rain, we are going to see full recovery in very little time.

Our students observe and help remove invasive species such as Siberian elm, Russian olive, cheatgrass, mullein and teasel, just to name a few. Students will research and decide the best removal practices for these species and determine how they would like to improve their plot’s biodiversity through active management. This experiential learning is what sets Fountain Valley apart, and our students will continue to observe and learn from the land firsthand as they visit the site monthly over the course of the coming school year.