A controlled burn was conducted on the prairie in the Benjamin Logan land lab Wednesday afternoon, April 19. Bob Stoll, pictured at the right, and Dan Crusey conducted the burn, and from a safe distance Benjamin Logan Environmental Science Club members were able to observe as the fire did its job. The burn, which was overdue, replicates a natural process, often caused by a lightning strike, that maintains the health of the prairie ecosystem. The blackening of the soil will result in increased temperature that will stimulate the germination of the warm season prairie grasses. In about 30 days, observers should be able to see new, lush, green growth. The Benjamin Logan land lab, comprising about 10 acres, was established 30 years ago. In addition to the prairie, there is a wetland, currently under restoration, an observation building, and plantings of native trees. (Benjamin Logan Photo)