GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (AP) — Prairie grass at the Nebraska State Fairgrounds has been cleared through prescribed burning.

Dave Carr, the prescribed burn coordinator for the Central Platte Natural Resources District, burned grass at the fair grounds on Tuesday. Prescribed burns are conducted to kill cool-weather grasses while promoting the growth of native prairie grasses, flowers and plants.

Carr says native grasses make excellent habitats for birds, which can roost in the tall stems as they look for insects to eat. He also says the native grasses make good cover for small wildlife species.

The coordinator says Tuesday’s prescribed burn was requested by the Groundwater Guardians, which received grants to help develop the native grass area known as the Outdoor Learning Center.