The DeKalb County Soil & Water Conservation District is hosting a workshop on prescribed burning at the DeKalb County Farm Bureau Center for Agriculture on Friday, March 13 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Dr. Sean Jenkins, professor of landscape and fire ecology from Western Illinois University, will be presenting on how our local plants are adapted to fire and how burning is used as a management tool in native vegetation.
Josh Clark Restoration Ecologist, with the DeKalb County Forest Preserve District, will be discussing how to get prepared for a burn and understanding the use of a burn plan.
Safety techniques on the fire line and the variety of equipment used on a burn will be highlighted by David Griffith, IDNR area forester. You will also hear from representatives from IDNR, NRCS, FSA, and Pheasants Forever about how these agencies aid local landowners with prescribed burning activities.
After lunch, which is provided, the group will be traveling to a nearby DeKalb County Forest Preserve site to conduct a demonstrational burn (weather permitting). Attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions, look over equipment, and watch a burn team operate on a live fire.
This workshop will offer participants a chance to network with other local landowners, build familiarity with managing native habitats with fire, and become aware of local resources for conducting burns.
If you are interested in attending please contact the SWCD office or email jeff.woodyatt.dekalbswcd@gmail.com. Reservations are required and the workshop fee is $10, cash or checks (made out to DeKalb County SWCD) can be mailed to the SWCD office at 1350 West Prairie Dr., Sycamore, IL 60178.