Burning for Renewal: Fire, Partnerships, and Pollinator Habitat

Before burn

On the afternoon of Monday, August 25th the Bainbridge Island Fire Department (BIFD) successfully implemented a prescribed burn in the Buxton Pollinator Meadow at Bloedel Reserve. Across a1 ¼ acre area, the burn effectively removed encroaching young trees and shrubs while mineralizing organic nutrients and causing significant mortality of undesirable vegetation. The treatment, in combination with post-fire management activities, will promote a shift in the plant community from weedy grasses and herbs to one composed of resilient, diverse wildflowers and bunchgrasses that support native pollinators.

After burn

In preparation, Battalion Chief Jason Livdahl of BIFD worked with Bloedel Staff members Haley Wiggins (Gardens South Manager) and Kaslin Daniels ( Director of Horticulture and Design) to carefully plan the burn; Livdahl then took on the role of Incident Commander and safely executed the prescription with the support of Bainbridge Island, Poulsbo, and Bremerton firefighters.

Also working the event was the AirOps Team of Bainbridge Prepares, a local non-profit who partners with BIFD and the City of Bainbridge Island and whose mission is to “ensure our town and surrounding communities will be resilient in the face of natural disasters.” Three members of the AirOps Team carefully monitored the fire using drones equipped with sophisticated technology to detect any potential spotting and allow for rapid response times. No cause for concern was detected at any point.

Here at Bloedel we were also happy to invite Bainbridge Island Land Trust (BILT) staff and interns to the burn. Andrew Fraser, Stewardship Manager at BILT, hopes to manage Land Trust properties with the safe use of prescribed fire in the future, and Bloedel’s partnership with BIFD is a useful model to build from. BILT and Bloedel Reserve missions are strongly aligned and we’re committed to supporting and learning from one another.

While our successful prescribed burn will confer improved ecological function and services in the Buxton Pollinator Meadow, of perhaps even more significance is how the event built community and strengthened partnerships. Battalion Chief Livdahl’s efforts to bring in firefighters from Kitsap County for support and training will aid future resiliency in our region. We’re very grateful to BIFD, Poulsbo Fire Department, and Bremerton Fire Department for their execution and assistance. We would also like to extend sincere thanks to Bainbridge Prepares for helping ensure a safe burn, and to our neighbors for their continued support.