The role of fire is important for many of our Midwest native plants and ecosystems. Prescribed burning is a way to reintroduce fire in landscapes in a controlled manor. Fire can early emergence of many of our native grasses and forbs. In timber, fire helps promote regeneration of oak and hickories species while limiting the natural succession to other timber species. It is also a way to control some undesirable species such as invasive plants and woody thickets.