As autumn fades and cooler weather approaches, you might notice smoke rising from the Forest Preserves of Cook County and wonder if there’s cause for alarm. But that smoke signals a well-planned effort to protect and rejuvenate the land. Depending on the weather, the Forest Preserves conducts prescribed burns—controlled fires designed to curb invasive plants and support native ecosystems. These carefully managed fires, started by trained professionals, recreate a natural process essential to local habitats for thousands of years. 
 
Prescribed burning is critical for maintaining fire-dependent habitats like prairies, savannas and woodlands. Historically, these landscapes evolved with fire as an integral part of their cycle, with natural fires and intentional burns by indigenous peoples helping to manage the land. Without periodic burns, non-native plants like buckthorn and honeysuckle spread quickly, shading out native species and disrupting the ecosystem’s balance. Prescribed burns target these invasives, clearing space for native plants like oaks, hickories, wildflowers and native grasses to thrive. This results in a more balanced ecosystem, supporting diverse wildlife and making the preserves more resilient. 
 
Beyond supporting biodiversity, prescribed fires play a key role in reducing the risk of wildfires. Over time, leaves, dead plants and dry debris, also called fuel, accumulate on the forest floor, creating a dense layer that can lead to intense, uncontrolled fires. By safely removing this build-up through controlled burns, the Forest Preserves actively lowers the risk of larger fires that could threaten both natural areas and nearby communities. This proactive approach to managing fuel loads creates healthier, safer preserves for everyone. 
 
While the blackened landscape immediately following a burn may look stark, the benefits are almost immediate. Nutrients are quickly returned to the soil, helping native plants to grow stronger and creating abundant food sources for wildlife. The ground transforms in mere weeks, brimming with new life and blooming plants contributing to a balanced, thriving ecosystem. 
 
So, if you see smoke billowing from the Forest Preserves, rest assured it’s part of an essential process for sustaining our natural landscapes. To learn more about prescribed burns and which areas have recently been burned, visit fpdcc.com/nature/prescribed-burning/.