Wheaton, IL – Residents in DuPage County may notice smoke today as forest preserve crews conduct prescribed burns at the Blackwell and Timber Ridge Forest Preserves, officials announced Friday.
According to the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, the burns are part of ongoing land management efforts to maintain healthy ecosystems and encourage native plant growth. Controlled fires help remove invasive species, recycle nutrients into the soil, and create better conditions for seeds to sprout.
District officials noted that safety crews are on-site monitoring the burns closely to prevent any spread beyond designated areas. Weather and wind conditions are evaluated before and during the operation to ensure safety.
The district emphasized that these prescribed burns are a critical ecological tool used throughout the year to maintain prairie and woodland habitats. Visitors to the preserves may see smoke or temporary trail closures but are advised that these are planned and supervised events.
For more information on how and why prescribed burns are conducted, residents can visit dupageforest.org.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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