Here’s how to become a Burn Crew member for Ann Arbor’s ecological burn season

If you like fire and promoting local plant life, this is the volunteer group for you

Leaves are set ablaze during a controlled ecological burn in Ann Arbor. (City of Ann Arbor Natural Area Preservation)

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Help keep Ann Arbor’s native flora fresh by burning away invasive species as part of the Volunteer Burn Crew.

Residents interested in joining members of the City of Ann Arbor Natural Area Preservation (NAP) department can join a community meeting and training in February to see what is involved in the program.

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NAP will host an informational meeting from 7–8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 13 at its 3875 E. Huron River Dr. office to introduce community members to the city’s Controlled Ecological Burn Program.

Between Feb. 16 and May 31, the city will burn specific parts of nature areas and parks to keep invasive species in check, enrich soil and remove dead thatch. Controlled burns are monitored by trained staff and volunteers, with permission from city and township fire marshals.

Burn Crew volunteers will receive required training on Friday, Feb. 16 at Cobblestone Farm starting at noon. Anyone interested must pre-register here by Thursday, Feb. 15.

Potential volunteers can sign up for different volunteer events via the city’s VolunteerHub here.


About the Author

Sarah has worked for WDIV since June 2018. She covers community events, good eats and small businesses in Ann Arbor and has a Master's degree in Applied Linguistics from Grand Valley State University.

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