Woodlands, wetlands and prairies native to the Midwest depend on periodic prescribed fires for long-term survival. Fire helps to rejuvenate growth of native grasses and flowers, and controls the growth of unwanted invasive plant species.
After inspecting the site, acquiring permits and reviewing safety precautions with all involved, Illiniwek Forest Preserve will conduct multiple burns on the forest preserve property.
When: Today, Wednesday, March 14, 2018 – 1 p.m.
Where: Illiniwek Forest Preserve, meet at Prairie Restoration field (https://drive.google.com/open?id=176k9LAZUVRTChNCW5v5lLQZ7YzNYX9d&usp=sharing)
Who: Illiniwek Ranger Mike Petersen, and other preserve leaders will be available for interviews to discuss why these burns benefit the preservation of natural space in our community.
Visuals: Illiniwek will do a verbal brief on the burning processes, then ignite the controlled burn at 1 p.m.
For more information, please contact Jeff Craver at (309) 795-1040 or jcraver@ricfpd.org.
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About Illiniwek Forest Preserve
Illiniwek Forest Preserve is part of the Rock Island County Forest Preserve District. The mission of the Rock Island County Forest Preserve District is to maintain and acquire lands and facilities in Rock Island County with the intent to restore, conserve and protect the waters, forests and prairies they contain and the goal to create educational and recreational opportunities for the residents of Rock Island County and beyond. The Rock Island County Forest Preserve District is governed by the Forest Preserve Commission. Today the Rock Island County Forest Preserve Commission governs six forest preserve areas totaling 2,529 acres. They include Loud Thunder Forest Preserve, Illiniwek Forest Preserve, Niabi Zoo, Indian Bluff Golf Course and Forest Preserve, Dorrance Park and Martin Conservation Area.
For more information about the Rock Island County Forest Preserve District, visit RICFPD.org.
