Cutting brush On National Public Lands Day 1999, over 120 volunteers cut and carried away brush as a first step in ecosystem recovery. Once the brush is removed, prairie grasses and wildflowers can reinhabit the land. photo by Phil Cihlar Although brush cutting can be done at any time of the year, it is best done in the late fall, winter or early spring. Today, volunteers wear protective safety gear and sturdy shoes. photo by Larry Godson Another management tool is mechanized mowing of brush and woody growth. photo by Larry Godson