Posted on: November 22, 2016

by Renae Frigo, Naturalist at the Glen Ellyn Park District

This time of year, land agencies across the area eagerly await breezy sunny days with little humidity. Those, along with other weather conditions improve the chances of conducting a controlled burn. While it seems a bit twisted that setting the land on fire can be beneficial, our natural woodland, savanna, prairie, and wetland ecosystems have evolved with fire. Over the millennia, natural fires caused by lightning strikes roared across the land. Fire also was intentionally set by native people and early settlers to clear the land for better visibility, terrestrial movement, hunting, and improvement habitat that enhanced food and forage for both wildlife and humans. In current times, we use fire as a management tool to help restore our natural areas.

This fall, the Glen Ellyn Park District hopes to burn the woodland restoration area of Lake Ellyn Park. Last year was the first time this area was burned. Once the leaves and herbaceous growth has burned, the ground looks black and barren. These conditions are perfect for spreading desirable native plant seeds, as there is better seed-to-soil contact for improved germination. Additionally, the finely burned plant particles, full of nutrients, are readily recycled back into the soil with also the intention to improve the conditions for oak and hickory regeneration. Fire helps maintain an open and sunlit floor which these two trees require.

In other woodland areas, fire can kill saplings of invasive trees and shrubs like buckthorn and honeysuckle. Fire is a safe, economical and effective means of controlling these prolific plants that have severe, negative impacts on our native species. Thick stands of these invaders shade out and absorb most of the available nutrients, sunlight and water that their native neighbors need. Without fire, staff and volunteers manually cut thousands of invasive seedlings, then herbicide is applied. Hours of tedious work are required, but a good fire can accomplish the task in a matter of minutes.

In prairies, the deeply rooted grasses and forbs easily withstand hot fires, as most of the plant mass is underground. Prairie and savanna systems need sun, but often trees and shrubs move into the open areas. Their shade is the demise of the sun-loving plants. Fire keeps the shade producers at bay. Prairies are often burned in the spring. The blackened earth warms easily, allowing for improved conditions for seed and new plant growth.

Fire is an important tool, but some risk is involved. Safety is always the first priority. Park District staff has received certifications and follow strict protocol. Volunteers who assist also are trained prior to burning. Detailed burn plans are written and permits are obtained from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and the Village of Glen Ellyn. The fire department and emergency (911) system are notified prior to igniting a fire. Weeks before a burn, neighbors receive a notification letter and those in closer proximity of the specific burn location receive a door-tag notice a day or two in advance. Road and trail signs are used to inform passing motorists and park users. Smoke management is an important concern. Weather conditions such as wind speed and direction can greatly influence how smoke moves and lifts. Those factors are considered at every location and visibility on local roadways is not impaired.

As the Park District continues to restore and improve the areas of natural space within our parks, we stay current with the latest management techniques. Fire is one of those tools, and it will be utilized to our best ability. If you would like further information on burns, other ways we work to restore the land, or want to know how you can volunteer for this work, please contact Renae Frigo at [email protected].