The fire was fast fortunately. Surface and low story vegetation took a hit for sure, but spared much of the overstory. With no buildings burned down and no lives lost, it is all positive from here. The native prairie came about with fire helping to mold its resilience and regenerative characteristics. In just a few weeks after snowfall plants are popping up. There are small bluestem (expected in this pasture), penstemons, broadleaf plants as well as the ubiquitous bluegrass which colonizes much of the sandhills. Importantly, the litter remains in between plants, some burned and some not. This is important as this litter layer is vital to retaining moisture and preventing erosion.
