Conservation // 2 min Read

Burning 101

Written by Palmetto Bluff

Mar 09, 2017

The Palmetto Bluff Conservancy is dedicated to preserving the wildlife and environment of Palmetto Bluff. As a conservancy versus a preservation, the team’s goal is to make the habitat here at Palmetto Bluff the best it can be instead of just letting Mother Nature run her course. Because of this, the Conservancy team can be found in the woods during the winter and early spring months completing prescribed burns. These burns are strategically placed for a number of reasons and help enrich our beloved natural environment. Prescribed burning is the best wildlife and forestry management tool at our disposal.

  1. It is a cost-effective way to reduce the hardwood regeneration that blocks the sunlight from the forest floor. Once we burn these areas, sunlight is better able to reach the ground and promotes new growth which is beneficial to all our wildlife.
  2. Prescribed burning encourages the development of the age classes of a healthy forest stand. A thriving forest should be made up of at least three different age classes or have an overstory, a midstory and an understory. All of these levels are made up of different species of trees and shrubs and each level benefits different species of wildlife.
  3. When a burn is conducted, “edge effect” is maximized within the forest stand. Edge is where two or more plant communities come together. All of our wildlife from the smallest shrew to the white-tailed deer is attracted to edge. For feeding, nesting, or cover, all of our animals are utilizing these areas more frequently than areas without edge effect.
  4. Burning fertilizes older trees through the ash produced. The older trees in a stand with regular burning are healthier than those in forests that are not burned.
  5. Some trees, shrubs and other plants rely on fire for seed dispersal, germination or the reduction of competitors. For example, pond pines rely on fire to open up their cones to allow for seed dispersion. Longleaf pines depend on fire to control their competition. Longleaf is very slow growing and without fire, would be out competed by faster growing trees.
  6. Prescribed burning also lowers the fuel load in our wild areas which in turn reduce the threat of wild fires from lightning strikes or careless humans.

So the next time you smell smoke or see the Conservancy team covered in soot, remember that prescribed burning is helping our ecosystem stay healthy as well as protecting our homes from the threat of wildfires.%GALLERY%

Food & Wine / Fall Recipes From Buffalos

Your Pine-ness Cocktail Recipe Before delving into the ingredients and recipe for Buffalos’ delectable Ricotta Meatballs and Sauce, it is imperative that the chef has an excellent cocktail for cooking. Pairing the sweetness of pineapple with the woody flavo...

Sep 2023
palmetto bluff neighborhoods

Real Estate / Waterfront Neighborhoods in Palmetto Bluff

Coastal Palmetto Bluff Neighborhoods Palmetto Bluff, a private community nestled along the South Carolina coastline, presents a harmonious blend of luxurious living, recreational spaces, and a vibrant atmosphere. The meticulously designed Palmetto Bluff neigh...

Sep 2023
wilson landing

Waterways / Behind the Bluff with Marina Captain: Thomas Shanahan

Meet Captain Tom of Palmetto Bluff’s Wilson Landing  In the tranquil embrace of Bluffton's Lowcountry, where rivers wind their way through nature's masterpiece, an extraordinary tale unfolds at Wilson Landing of Palmetto Bluff. The story belongs to Captain Th...

Sep 2023
luxury kitchen design

Architecture & Design / Designing the Southern Kitchen of Your Dreams

Your Guide to a Luxury Kitchen Design The kitchen has long been the heart of the home, where cherished memories are cooked up and shared. When it comes to Lowcountry living, a well-designed kitchen is not just a place to prepare meals but a space that encapsu...

Sep 2023
summer bucket list

Culture / Summer Activities to Check Off Your List Before the Fall

10 Activities You Have to Cross Off Your Summer Bucket List While the days are long and the sun hangs high in the sky, summer offers a golden opportunity to create lasting memories and partake in a variety of thrilling activities. Before the cooler breeze of ...

Sep 2023

Conservation / Water Way

Palmetto Bluff is an ecological wonderland, with its maritime forest and tidal rivers, its salt marsh and abundant wildlife. But perhaps one of the most unique features of this wedge of Lowcountry is the impressive inland waterway that wends through the landsc...

Aug 2023

Artist in Residence / Places Around Palmetto Bluff to Paint Plein Air

Plein Air Painting and Our August Artist in Residence Palmetto Bluff is a paradise for art enthusiasts and nature lovers alike with its breathtaking landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and serene atmosphere. With that being said, the Bluff is the perfect canvas f...

Aug 2023
coastal living

Waterways / Experience Health and Happiness By Living on the Coast

5 Health Benefits of Coastal Living Did you know that life by the coast is not only the most idyllic way to live, but it also improves your health? All in all, coastal living is a rejuvenating experience for the mind, body, and soul. From the cool, salty bree...

Aug 2023
south carolina lowcountry

Culture / 9 Enticing Facts About the Lowcountry

Discover the Charm of the South Carolina Lowcountry Where history and nature intertwine with effortless grace, the South Carolina Lowcountry is a region that allures visitors and residents alike with its timeless beauty, enchanting landscapes, and diverse cul...

Aug 2023

Conservation / Behind the Bluff with Palmetto Bluff Conservancy Educator: Aaron Palmieri

Aaron’s Journey to the Palmetto Bluff Conservancy   In the heart of the Lowcountry, where lush landscapes and diverse ecosystems flourish, lies a hidden gem known as Palmetto Bluff. This breathtaking sanctuary serves as a haven for an array of wildlife, offer...

Aug 2023
LIVE
Community Villages
Experience
Palmetto Bluff Club
On The Water
The Arts Initiative
Events
Conserve
About Us