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Health & Fitness

PRESCRIPTION BURNS BREATHE LIFE INTO FOREST PRESERVES

DuPage Forest Preserves Prescription Burn Season

In the coming weeks, neighbors and passersby may notice signs of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County’s prescription-burn program at select sites.
      Unlike a wildfire, a prescription burn is a deliberately set, controlled, natural-resource-management tool that specially trained Forest Preserve District crews have used for over 25 years to restore native prairies, wetlands and woodlands.
      Because safety depends on the weather and other factors, the District cannot schedule prescription burns in advance. However, on the morning of a prescription burn, the District posts signs and notifies local fire-protection agencies. Crews remain on-site throughout the process, which takes place only during daylight hours. If these factors are not present, the public should call 911 because they may be witnessing a wildfire.
      According to Erik Neidy of the Forest Preserve District’s Office of Natural Resources, “We conduct prescription burns partly to remove invasive, exotic plants so fire-tolerant native species can utilize a greater share of available resources. But fire also breaks down organic plant materials, which speeds the return of valuable nutrients to the soil. It also prevents a buildup of plant debris, which can stunt new growth and keep rainwater from filtering through the soil.”

      In DuPage County’s woodlands, prescription burns remove invasive vegetation so more sunlight can reach native wildflowers and other plants on the forest floor. The county’s forests primarily contain deciduous species, such as oaks, with thick bark that is well-adapted to periodic fire and able to keep flames near the ground. These conditions greatly contrast those in the dense coniferous forests of the West, where highly flammable pine needles enable fires to spread quickly and uncontrollably from treetop to treetop, as often reported in the news.
      To see a video featuring the District’s prescription burn crews in action, visit www.youtube.com/dupageforest.
      Established in 1915, the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County owns and manages over 25,000 acres of prairies, woodlands and wetlands. Each year, over 4 million visitors enjoy the District’s 60 forest preserves, 145 miles of trails, five education centers and scores of scheduled programs and events. To learn more, call 630-933-7200 or visit dupageforest.org.

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