Kane Co. starting controlled burns

With cool temperatures and low humidity, conditions are right for the Kane County Forest Preserve District to perform controlled burns in the preserves.

The first controlled burn of the fall season was Nov. 8 at Dick Young Forest Preserve in Batavia.

Forest Preserve District staff conducts burns across prairies, woodlands and wetlands in an effort to improve or maintain the ecological health of a site.

Controlled burns:

• Release nutrients from burned plant materials

• Encourage seed growth

• Open the woodland floor to sunlight so native wildflowers and plants can flourish

• Reduce abundance of non-native brush

"Fire is a natural and essential ingredient of healthy native ecosystems," said Drew Ullberg, director of natural resources for the Forest Preserve District.

"Fires perform a 'house cleaning' function for nature and woodlands. Prairies are adapted to fire and depend on it to maintain their unique character."

Burns are also planned this fall at the following Kane County Forest Preserves: Aurora West, Big Rock, Bliss Woods in Sugar Grove, Burlington, Burnidge in Elgin, Freeman Kame-Meagher in Gilberts, Hannaford Woods -- Nickels Farm in Sugar Grove, Helm Woods in Barrington Hills, Meissner Prairie-Corron in St. Charles, Muirhead Springs in Hampshire and Pingree Grove.

For information or to request a copy of the pamphlet "Controlled Burns: A Prescription for Habitat Health," call (630) 232-5980 or visit www.kaneforest.com.