Fire is an important part of the West Michigan landscape. Prescribed burning encourages native vegetation, reduces invasive species, and improves wildlife habitat, restoring health to many of our forests, wetlands, and grasslands. The Land Conservancy of West Michigan conducts prescribed burns on its nature preserves each year in spring, summer, and fall. We work with volunteers to conduct many of these burns. Volunteer burn crew members are involved in all stages of prescribed burning, including burn site preparation, ignition, fire control, and monitoring.

At the burn crew training session you will learn to use the equipment necessary for a prescribed burn and the strategy and methods to conduct a safe an effective burn. As a trained volunteer you will be a part of team that will conduct prescribed burns on Land Conservancy properties. The training session is required for participation on the burn crew.

For more information or to register for the training contact Justin Heslinga or call (616) 451-9476.