Prescribed Burn Program - 2021

The Village's and Park District's 2021 prescribed burn programs and educational programming are supported by generous funding from ComEd and Openlands.

Project Description


In early April, the Village and Northbrook Park District will both be conducting prescribed burns of native landscapes throughout the community, weather permitting. These low-intensity burns enhance soil quality, help germinate desirable native plants, eliminate invasive plant species, and also support pollinators that are dependent on native landscapes for food and shelter.

This page has information on the Village's prescribed burns. The Park District's information can be found at this link.

Burn Locations

Burns will be conducted on the following properties:
  • Heritage Oaks Golf Club (formerly Sportman's Country Club, Park District-owned): All of the native areas on the course will be burned.
  • Techny Prairie Park & Fields (Park District-owned): The native areas located predominately on the north and east sides of the property will be burned.
  • Wood Oaks Green Park (Park District-owned): The sledding hill and the native areas on the western side of the property will be burned.
  • The "Old Northbrook East Basin" (Village-owned): The northernmost detention basin at Northbrook East (located north of the intersection of Midway and Sunset Ridge) will be burned.
  • The "Techny Basin/Old 319 Property" (Village-owned): The basin and native areas west of Glenbrook North will be burned.
Prior to the burns, the Village and Park District will mail postcards to any nearby residents informing them of the burns. This webpage will also be updated daily during the burns to update residents on changes due to weather, etc. Updates on the Park District's burn schedule can be found at this link. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are properties with native landscaping burned?
Burning is done on properties with native landscaping to help support the healthy growth of the landscape. Many native Midwestern plants evolved on the prairie where fires would naturally occur. As a result, they are naturally resistant to fire and the seeds for many of these plants require the heat from the fire to germinate. Additionally, these burns help remove invasive species which did not evolve to withstand the fire while also breaking down old decaying plant matter to fertilize the soil. All of this in turn helps support pollinator species which depend on native plants for food and shelter.

Do I need to take any action during the prescribed burns?

No. These fires are low-intensity and continuously monitored to ensure that the burn is progressing safely. There will be some smoke, and those who are sensitive to it may wish to close their windows during the burns, but no other action is required.

Coming Soon: Native Landscaping Programming

In April, the Village and Park District will begin releasing short videos and print materials on native landscaping to help property owners understand how they can help promote native species in the community. These videos and materials will be posted on this page and the Village's social media accounts once available.

Project Updates:

Tuesday, April 13:

Due to wetter than expected conditions, the burn for Northbrook East will be rescheduled for Wednesday, April 14. The burn for Glenbrook North will be rescheduled to Thursday, April 15. Dates are subject to change based on weather conditions.


Monday, April 12:

On Tuesday, April 13, the Village's contractor will conduct a burn of the Techny Basin/Old 319 Property and Northbrook East Detention Basin beginning in the late morning. 


Thursday, April 8:

Next week, weather permitting, the Village and Park District plan to conduct burns on the project properties. More updates will be posted as information becomes available.