Depending on the weather, the Skokie Park District may conduct a prescribed controlled burn in natural areas at Devonshire Park and Channelside Park, some time between March 4 and 13, in order to:

1. Promote growth and encourage germination of native plants, as some plants need fire/smoke to germinate, and because the resulting dark soil warms and encourages germination.
2. Remove dead vegetation and return nutrients to the soil.
3. Reduce the presence of exotic, invasive plants, and undesirable woody vegetation (e.g., burdock, Canada thistle, buckthorn, and honeysuckle).
4. Prevent native areas from becoming thickets and overcome by weeds.
5. Promote increased diversity of plants.

Controlled burns will be conducted by trained crews.
Experienced burn managers and crews have taken the National Wildfire Coordinating Group’s fire suppression courses or the Chicago Wilderness Burn Crew Training.

Signage will be displayed and notifications made on the day of the burn.

Who will be contacted?
The Skokie Fire Department, Skokie Police, Skokie Park District centers, adjacent schools, and residents.

Questions?
Contact the Skokie Park District’s Genevieve Nano, Park Specialist II at gnano@skokieparks.org or at (847) 674-1500 ext. 2800.