Fall prescribed burns on the Nature Center’s property are planned beginning Thursday, October 29 and continuing on the following dates: October 31 and November 1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18, and 20.
Planned burn areas include parts of the Bena, Christiansen, Stimple and City of Cedar Rapids Prairies and some of the open savannas surrounding the Amazing Space building at 5300 Otis Rd SE. See our trail map for reference.
Due to the fires, some trails will be closed on the burn dates listed above. The Nature Center only conducts burns when local conditions are conducive to a safe burn, and when there is no local burn ban in place. West Bertram Fire Department is made aware of the Nature Center’s burn plans.
Prescribed burns are beneficial to the prairies and woodlands. Burning rejuvenates open areas and stimulates new plant growth, creating lush and healthy grasslands and improving wildlife habitat. Burning enhances the diversity of native plant communities that make the prairie vibrant, while limiting the growth of brush and trees.
Want to help with the burn? Sign up to volunteer. If you have not participated in a controlled burn before, we will train you! Please arrive at 9 AM the day you volunteer to attend burn school.
