To examine these hypotheses, we will quantify the species composition, ground coverage, and canopy coverage at three sites, one in each ecoregion

Each site has existing areas of prescribed burn applications, including unburned, once-burned, and twice-burned sections. These data will correlate site characteristics to the proportion of herbaceous ground cover and the likelihood ofinvasive species dominance.expected deliverables: the data collected will inform tailored recommendations for the three sites studied and a decision-support tool allowing managers to predict the plant composition they expect to see at a given location and how the vegetation would likely respond to prescribed burning applications.benefits: this research aims to enhance the understanding of herbaceous plant communities in mid-latitude forests and their responses to fire treatments. By reintroducing low-intensity fires, we can boost resilience, manage invasive species, and clarify the role of the herbaceous layer in ecosystem health. This study will provide the first broad-scale assessment of understory recovery under various fire treatments in an understudied area, guiding sustainable management practices for long-term ecosystem health.