One More Board Member and Our First Burn of 2026

Friends of the Blufflands is pleased to introduce our newest board member, Nine Dodge. Nine encountered one of our board members while hiking the Birch Point Trail in the summer of 2025 and visiting Zoerb Prairie. This meeting ignited her interest, and she soon became a frequent volunteer during work days. Friends was impressed by her commitment and leadership skills when working alongside other volunteers, including students from UWL, and ultimately invited her to join the board. We are thrilled she accepted!

The first prescribed burn of the season was done March 9th on Stry Prairie on Miller Bluff, which is easily visible from Highway 16. We’re certain that many drivers enjoyed quite a spectacle as they traveled north! The crew was assembled by the Coulee Region Chapter of The Prairie Enthusiasts and was led by burn boss Jim Rogala. Several were experienced but others were participating in their first burn as apprentices. The operation went smoothly, and we hope to burn Mathy Bluff Prairie and Lookout Prairie with its Savanna before our burn season concludes in early April. Here are some photos of the burn in progress by Brian Burns:

Conditions have to be just right for a burn to take place, including for smoke dispersal. Several variables determine smoke dispersal, including wind direction. Note that the smoke is rising nicely and dispersing east, away from the highway below.