Cola Creek controlled burn area

Native Grass Field 

I was excited to head out this morning and walk through the newly-burned fields. It’s always interesting to see the land in this charred state. Even though the fire engulfed the pre-planned areas, some shrubs and trees remain unscathed. It’s called a “patchy” burn which creates a diverse “mosaic” on the landscape. Still, much of the brush and understory has been removed or reduced. Some places look barren now, but soon we will have native grasses covering these fields, and by next season we can turn the cattle out to graze. 

Article authored by George:

Similar Posts

  • Rock Formations

    We were under a frost advisory last night. Every step I took this morning made a satisfying crunch underfoot. As I returned from my morning hike, I stopped to talk with my farm manager, Harold. He explained the rifle shot I had heard earlier this morning. Harold had shot two coyotes that have been sneaking…

  • Sunflowers

    I am excited about the burn that Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency will do on Coal Creek next week. We carried out these burns ourselves for years, but having the pros involved reduces the stress factor. I hid a key for the fire crews to access the farm when they arrived. Dr. Dwayne Estes recently discovered…

  • Bobwhite

    Out walking on Winter Road this morning, I stepped into the woods to check out some of the recently burned woods. In addition to clearing the underbrush and allowing us to reseed native grasses that will prove fodder for our cattle for years to come, we are also restoring the habitat of the Northern Bobwhite….

  • Long Horns

    I walked along checking the fence line this morning and paused to check on one of our newest assets. In addition to utilizing controlled burns to clear the underbrush and restore the habitat at Coal Creek Farm, we have introduced Texas Longhorn cattle to our herds. These cows are very hardy, requiring less water than…