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We conduct prescribed burns in natural areas for a few weeks in early spring and fall. We rely on volunteers in this limited time frame. To join the crew, attend our annual burn crew training session​. Participants have the opportunity to engage in all stages of a prescribed burn from burn prep and tool maintenance to laying down fire and fire control. This is our most physically demanding activity.

Volunteer Burn Crew Training
2022 Training date TBD

Registration is required, as enrollment is limited. Call 734.794.6627 or email [email protected] to register, or for more information.

We also strongly encourage new burn crew volunteers to attend the Public Meeting about the Controlled Ecological Burn Program. We hold these meetings before our spring and fall burn seasons, to help explain why we do controlled burns, and how valuable they are for ecological restoration. 

The next meeting is:

Public Meeting:  Controlled Ecological Burn Program
Wednesday, October 13, 2021
3875 E. Huron River Drive
Fire is used as a restoration tool in many of Ann Arbor's natural areas. This meeting will be a discussion about our Controlled Ecological Burn Program. Ask questions and learn more about the benefits of effectively and safely using fire as a restoration tool.

All persons are encouraged to participate in public meetings. Accommodations, including sign language interpreters, may be arranged by contacting the City Clerk's office at 734.794.6140; via email to: [email protected]; or by written request addressed and mailed or delivered to: City Clerk's Office, 301 E. Huron St., Ann Arbor, MI 48104. Requests made with less than two business days' notice may not be able to be accommodated.​​

Learn more about our use of controlled ecological burns by visiting our Controlled Burns page.