Prescribed Burn Program

The Village's and Park District's 2022 prescribed burn programs and educational programming are supported by generous funding from ComEd and Openlands.

Project Description


In March or 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:
  • Anetsberger Golf Course (Park District-owned): Natives areas around the pond. 
  • Heritage Oaks Golf Club (formerly Sportman's Country Club, Park District-owned): All of the native areas on the western half of the course will be burned.
  • Techny Prairie Park & Fields (Park District-owned): The native areas located predominately on the  east sides of the property will be burned.
  • Wood Oaks Green Park (Park District-owned): The the native areas on the western side of the property will be burned.
  • The "New 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.
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.