VBT does prescribed burn at Riggs Park

On March 31 Van Buren Township Parks and Recreation conducted its first prescribed burn at Riggs Heritage Park on Martinsville Road.
The park, which was constructed in 2008, consists of walking paths, a pavilion, parking lot, open spaces, restrooms and about acres acres of prairie habitat.
Deputy Director of VBT Parks and Recreation Jennifer Zaenglein explains.
She said prescription burning is used for a variety of reasons. One of the most notable benefits is to maintain the health of an existing natural area containing native plants. The fire helps manage weeds and other growth and thus helps to reduce the risk of wildfires, but it also can help restore nutrients and help lead to more desirable plant growth in the future.
The park boasts prairie plants, including big bluestem grass which grows to a height of eight feet and wildflowers from the delicate partridge pea to the giant prairie dock which reaches a height of ten feet.
Already the bare earth at Riggs Park is transforming from a charred landscape to new life. Green sprouts and flower buds are emerging from the ashes, much like a phoenix ready to thrive once again.
“We hope that you take time to visit Riggs Park this spring and enjoy watching the changes as spring finally reaches Van Buren Township,” Zaenglein said.