The briefs

MCCD sets night burn in Ringwood

Fire is a natural and essential ingredient of healthy native ecosystems.

McHenry County Conservation District's ecologists and trained burn crew will demonstrate a prescribed prairie and savanna burn from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at Glacial Park, 6316 Harts Road in Ringwood.

Fires release nutrients from burned plants, help seeds to grow, and open the woodland floor to sunlight so that native wildflowers can flourish.

The evening begins indoors for a discussion on the benefits of fire to ecosystems. Participants will then watch the fire and the coordinated efforts of the fire crews at work.

Anyone, age 12 and older, can register for the Night Fire program online at www.MCCDistrict.org or by calling (815) 479-5779.

This event will be held weather permitting. Dress for the weather and be prepared for a short hike.

Learn to recognize severe weather

McHenry County Emergency Management Agency, in conjunction with McHenry County College, will present Severe Weather Spotters Class from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday at the McHenry County College Conference Center, 8900 Route 14, Crystal Lake.

Guest speakers include Barry Valentine, the Director of the McHenry County Emergency Agency. He will discuss the procedures that are implemented at the McHenry County Government Center. Jim Allsopp of the National Weather Service will discuss the nature of severe weather systems, the do's and don'ts during severe weather, how to report severe weather to the National Weather Service, and the role of the National Weather Service.

To register, call the McHenry County Emergency Management Agency at (815) 338-6400, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.