KVSP Field to Forest Traditional Cache

Just hanging out along the edge of field and forest (the ecotone), you can observe a lot of wildlife, and find this cache as well!

Ecological succession is the observed process of change in the species structure of an ecological community over time. The community begins with relatively few pioneering plants and animals and develops through increasing complexity until it becomes stable or self-perpetuating as a climax community. The ʺengineʺ of succession, the cause of ecosystem change, is the impact of established species upon their own environments.

Succession may be initiated either by formation of new, unoccupied habitat (e.g., a lava flow or a severe landslide) or by some form of disturbance (e.g. fire, severe windthrow, logging) of an existing community. Succession that begins in new habitats, uninfluenced by pre-existing communities is called primary succession, whereas succession that follows disruption of a pre-existing community is called secondary succession. Succession was among the first theories advanced in ecology.

Controlled or prescribed burning improves wildlife habitat and reduces the competition of between invasive and native plants, allowing for the restoration of native vegetation. It also improves short term forage for grazing, improves accessibility, and helps control tree disease. For those who have never seen the aftermath of a controlled burn, it may appear shocking at first. A blackened and smoking landscape greets the eye, and it appears as if all life has been destroyed. The reality is far different. Controlled burning returns nutrients to the soil, making them readily available for the next generation of vegetative growth. It also back ecological succession, preventing woody species from invading meadow habitat.