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.
