News of the Wild

Annual Burn Totals Benefit from Dry Spring

An early, dry spring combined with last year’s drought-like conditions fueled a burn season that surpassed expectations. Forest Preserve Districts successfully burned more than 7,000 acres at 110 preserves in an ongoing effort to enhance the health and beauty of these natural areas.

At many preserves, more than one area was burned. In DuPage County, for example, 67 smaller burns were staged at 21 preserves to accommodate windy conditions. Chicago Wilderness woodlands are usually damp during both spring and fall burn seasons, but they were dry enough this spring to carry a fire that eliminated the built-up thatch

The Chicago Park District (CPD) burned 77 acres at 20 sites. The CPD has been safely conducting controlled burns at natural sites for more than a decade. Weedy species such as thistle and sweet clover pose a big challenge, and fire has proven to be the most cost-effective way to eradicate them. Each park site has weather requirements specific to its urban location. With so many dry days this spring, the CPD was able to burn every site on its list.

At Burnham Nature Sanctuary, an established prairie burned well as did a new prairie. “That will go a long way to manage the weeds and let the newer prairie plantings get a foothold,” said Angela Sturdevant, CPD natural areas manager.

— Alison Carney Brown