What is a Prescribed Burn?

From big bluestem, blackeyed susan, Indian grass, switch grass, and much more the Arlington Heights Park District continues to restore natural habitats.   Prescribed burns are a beneficial way to replenish natural habitats and support the wildlife that is native to the area.

Completed Parks in 22-23 were the ARC basin, Carriage Walk, Centennial and Lake Arlington.

• A main objective is to prevent invasive species such as cattails, phragmites, and purpleloose strife to grow. 
• Controlled burns offer an effective and practical means of controlling disease to trees and insects that cause harm to the environment. 
• Prescribed burns help to encourage the replenishment of biologically diverse vegetation.  
• Smoke management is important, therefore specific weather conditions are necessary.  
• Burns are rescheduled if weather conditions are not suitable.  
• Professional consultants are brought in by the Arlington Heights Park District to perform the burn. 
• Burning encourages new growth of native vegetation and maintains the many plant and animal species whose habitats depend on this nutritional source. 
• Prescribed burns take place every three years or so depending on the growth of vegetation. 
• To learn more about prescribed burns, check out this video from The Chicago Park District.