Berry College faculty, staff, and students have been actively conducting prescribed burns across various locations in recent weeks to support the ongoing Longleaf Pine project. These controlled burns aim to restore key species and habitats while mitigating the risk of devastating wildfires.

The areas targeted for the burns include the landscape surrounding the House O’Dreams (HOD), the old-growth slopes southeast of HOD on Lavender Mountain, including the SAVE area where longleaf pines were first planted nearly 25 years ago. Additionally, the entirety of Stretch Road (Lavender Mountain Road), encompassing the Longleaf pine seed orchard, Martha’s Meadow xeric limestone barrens, and nearby Calcareous flatwoods areas, were included. According to Berry College officials, the prescribed burns are a critical component of ecological management, promoting biodiversity and reducing the accumulation of flammable undergrowth that could fuel dangerous wildfires. “A little bit of prevention goes a long way,” a college spokesperson stated. The operation was primarily organized by Berry’s forester, Tim Chesnut, with significant involvement from Berry College students, staff, and faculty. Outside contractors also contributed to the effort.

The college extends its gratitude to everyone who participated in the planning, facilitation, and implementation of these vital prescribed burns. Berry College plans to release follow-up photos in the coming weeks, showcasing the recovery of these areas after the burns. This will provide an opportunity to observe the positive impact of the controlled burns on the landscape and the long-term health of the Longleaf Pine ecosystem.