Ann Arbor’s ecosystems depend on fire to remove non-native plant species, enrich the soil and remove dead plant matter.

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.

The city of Ann Arbor conducts ecological burns to restore natural ecosystems in its parks and nature areas.

High wind conditions carried the smoke to the downtown Ann Arbor building, Ann Arbor Fire Department officials said.

A prescribed burn will take place Thursday afternoon at the Ann Arbor Skatepark.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – The City of Ann Arbor will begin this year’s burn season with an informational public meeting from 7-8:30 p.m. on Oct. 21. This fall, Natural Area Preservation will conduct controlled ecological burns in natural areas between Oct. 22 and Dec. 23. According to NAP, the ecological burns take place because native Ann Arbor ecosystems depend on fire to enrich soil and remove dead thatch. This year, NAP has permits to have burns in Bandemer Park, Barton Nature Area, Bird Hills Nature Area, Buttonbush Nature Area, Ruthven Nature Area, Scarlett Mitchell Nature Area, Sugarbush Park and Swift Run Marsh. City of Ann Arbor and township fire marshals review the plans before issuing burn permits.

ANN ARBOR The city of Ann Arbor Natural Area Preservation will be resuming in-person volunteer opportunities this month with new safety protocols. Maintain a 6-foot distance from others at all times during the events. Participants must wear a mask and maintain a 6-foot distance from others at all times. Stewardship Workday: Sugarbush Nature AreaSaturday, June 13, 14 p.m.Join NAP in this scenic part of Ann Arbor to pull invasive species. Participants must wear a mask and maintain a 6-foot distance from others at all times.

ANN ARBOR - On Tuesday, Oct. 15, from 7-8:30 p.m., a public meeting on controlled burns will be held at the Natural Area Preservation office at 3875 E. Huron River Drive. This fall, NAP will be conducting controlled burns in nature areas around Ann Arbor between Oct. 16 and Dec. 20. Signs to alert passersby are posted around park sites on the day of a controlled burn, and staff are on hand to answer questions. "During the fall 2019 season, NAP has permits to burn at the following city-owned sites: Berkshire Creek Nature Area; Bird Hills Nature Area; Buttonbush Nature Area; Cedar Bend Nature Area; Foxfire West Nature Area; Huron Parkway Nature Area; Kuebler Langford Nature Area; Leslie Park; South Pond Nature Area; Stapp Nature Area; and Sugarbush Park." "Our native Ann Arbor ecosystems are fire-dependent.