Most European and Asian weeds cause hay fever. Most native prairie species do not. Native prairie species are much more efficient at building soil and preventing erosion. Research done while reconstructing a prairie can help scientists better understand the working of all natural ecosystems. Restored prairies are beautiful additions to the regional landscape.
Fire is an important part of the natural ecology of a native prairie.
It changes dead plant material into ash which acts as a natural fertilizer, rich in potassium and phosphorous. Fire stimulates the growth of prairie species and inhibits the growth of woody plants and many non-native species. In fact, many prairie species need fire to germinate. This gives the prairie a longer growing season. University students and faculty are documenting the process of plant succession as native prairie species replace the non-native weeds.