With the onset of warmer weather, conditions are once again right for the Forest Preserve District of Kane County to perform prescribed burns in various natural areas.

Each spring and fall, the Forest Preserve District conducts prescribed burns across prairies, woodlands and wetlands in an effort to improve or maintain the ecological health of a site. These carefully controlled burns release nutrients from burned plant materials, encourage seed growth, and open the woodland floor to sunlight so native wildflowers and plants can flourish. Prescribed burns also reduce the abundance of non-native brush such as buckthorn.

Grassland/wetland sites targeted for this burn season include portions of the following (in order of priority):

• LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve in St. Charles
• Pingree Grove Forest Preserve in Pingree Grove
• Dick Young Forest Preserve in Batavia
• Burlington Prairie Forest Preserve in Burlington
• Almon Underwood Prairie Forest Preserve in Kaneville
• Johnson’s Mound Forest Preserve in Elburn
• Muirhead Springs Forest Preserve in Hampshire
• Fitchie Creek Forest Preserve in Elgin
• Great Western Trail — Brown Road and Campton Trails in St. Charles
• Hannaford Woods Forest Preserve in Sugar Grove
• Mill Creek Forest Preserve in Batavia

• Helm Woods Forest Preserve in Barrington
• Burnidge Forest Preserve in Elgin
• Hannaford Woods Forest Preserve in Sugar Grove
• Blackberry Maples Forest Preserve in Elburn
• Fitchie Creek Forest Preserve in Elgin
• Hampshire Forest Preserve in Hampshire
• LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve in St. Charles

Before a controlled burn, trained staff survey the preserve and create a detailed plan of action. They then carefully monitor the weather and wait until conditions are right, to minimize the chance of smoke blowing toward homes and roads. Staff also notify residents via mail, so that those with health concerns can avoid the smoke. Information is also posted on the District website at www.kaneforest.com and on social media.

For more information on prescribed burns, contact the Forest Preserve District of Kane County at 630-232-5980.

SOURCE: Kane County Forest Preserve District news release

About the Forest Preserve District of Kane County

The Forest Preserve District of Kane County acquires, holds and maintains land to preserve natural and historic resources, habitats, flora and fauna. The district restores, restocks, protects and preserves open space for the education, recreation and pleasure of Kane County citizens. For more information, visit the district’s website or find them on social media via Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. Also, sign up for the quarterly TreeLine Newsletter.