A prescribed burn is being planned at a Northumberland County nature reserve as part of efforts to restore native grassland habitat.
The Northumberland Land Trust says the controlled burn will take place at the McEwen Nature Reserve in mid to late April or early May, depending on weather conditions that allow for safe and effective burning.
Prescribed burns are intentionally set and carefully managed fires used to remove invasive species and excess vegetation. By clearing brush and allowing sunlight to reach the soil, the process helps native prairie plants regenerate and thrive.
Officials say grassland habitats have seen a significant decline in Ontario over the past century, contributing to the loss of plant and animal species that depend on those ecosystems. Restoring these areas is a key focus for conservation groups across the region.
The burn will be carried out by Lands and Forests Consulting, a firm specializing in prescribed fire management, and is being funded through donations to the Northumberland Land Trust.
For safety reasons, the public will not be permitted in the burn area during operations. Residents may notice a visible smoke column for a short time, but officials say the fire will be closely monitored and controlled, with no impacts expected beyond the immediate site.
The Northumberland Land Trust says prescribed burns are a proven tool in conservation, helping to maintain and protect natural landscapes across the county.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
