Above / Controlled fire at Hobson West Ponds in 2020. (Naperville Park District Photo)
Updated Post, April 9, 2025 / PN readers and neighbors in West Wind and Countryside subdivisions had a few questions regarding seasonal prescribed burns. We contacted the Naperville Park District to assist with answers. We appreciate the reply from Clint Burnell, Park Operation Manager Central/Fleet:
Prescribed burning is a very useful tool used in the management of our natural areas. It is however very dependent on the weather conditions and timing of plant development, which can be very unpredictable in the Midwest in March and April.
1. Why do you burn during waterfowl nesting season? April 30 is generally considered the last day for conducting prescribed burns in the spring. Typically, waterfowl in Northern Illinois do not begin nesting until May. Ducks and Geese may be seen before May, beginning to pair up and establish a territory around a suitable nesting location, but most are not actively nesting at this time.
2. Why is the burn only on the northside of the pond? Currently the North side of the pond has better established and higher quality native plants growing along the shoreline. The native plants and grasses are thicker and provide more fuel to carry a fire through the area during a prescribed burn. Many areas on the South end of the pond were overgrown with invasive species such as Callery pear trees, buckthorn, bush honeysuckle, and teasel. These species provide such a dense overgrowth, there is often little growing underneath to provide fuel for a fire. The Park District in conjunction with natural area contractors and Eagle Scout volunteers have been working to remove these species from the entire pond surrounding. As these invasive species are eradicated, higher quality natural species are being reintroduced to develop a higher quality more diverse natural area.
3. What kind of weed control is sprayed on the plants and open spaces? The weed control products used varies and is specific to the weeds being targeted. Woody trees and shrubs are typically flush cut, then herbicide such as Garlon or Triclopyr is directly applied to the remaining stump. Often immediately following a prescribed burn, noxious weeds such as teasel or Canadian thistle are the first plants to leaf out in the blackened areas. These emerging weeds will be usually targeted with a herbicide mixture containing 2-4-D, glyphosate, or triclopyr to kill the weed plant before other plants begin to leaf out.
4. Is the weed control biodegradable and safe for pets? Yes, the products we use are for weed control are biodegradable. Soil microbes, sunlight, and bacteria all break down the herbicides used to carbon dioxide, water, and other organic materials. The degradation process length varies depending on many factors, such as dilution rate, soil temperatures, and direct sunlight. Product labels allow for re-entry to treated areas for both pets and people after spray has dried. Treated areas will be posted with signage at entry points or near the application area to inform the public that an application was performed.
5. Why is so much mulch spread around the trees? Mulching of trees is performed according to best practices established by the International Society of Arboriculture. Ideally trees should be mulched to the outer dripline of the tree leaf canopy. Mulch should be applied to a depth of 2-4 inches and should resemble a doughnut shape, not a volcano. Mulch should not be piled directly against the trunk of the tree which can lead to disease and root rot.
Hopefully this helps to explain the prescribed burn and natural area maintenance process.
Updated Post, April 6, 2025 / On Fri., April 4, managed fires were set around the pond in May Watts Park by reported flamethrowers, key players in conducting prescribed or controlled ground-level burns. As gusts of wind blew throughout the weekend, the nearby neighborhood generally smelled like burning wood and leaves, mixed with a somewhat smoky, stale scent.
Original Post, March 7, 2024 / The Naperville Park District will deploy parks crews to various areas throughout the Park District to conduct prescribed, (also known as controlled), ground-level burns. Prescribed burns are intentionally ignited fires on specific lands designed to improve the overall health of an ecosystem. The Naperville Park District uses this method as an effective tool to clear invasive weeds and reduce the amount of leaf and plant debris on the ground. Typically, this type of park maintenance takes place in the spring and fall.
Certain variables are necessary to conduct prescribed burns. The ground must be at a certain temperature after the snow melts and the grass must remain dormant for a successful burn. Weather conditions affect prescribed burns as well, requiring low wind velocity, specific wind direction and a low chance of precipitation.
Weather conditions permitting, certified professionals may conduct prescribed burns at the following locations this spring:
- Ashbury Greenway – 3475 Plainfield/Naperville Road
- Ashbury Park – 1740 Conan Doyle Road
- Bailey Hobson Woods – 1184 Hobson Mill Drive
- Brighton Ridge Park – 775 Torrington Drive
- Brook Crossings – 1015 95th Street
- Buttonwood Park – 803 Buttonwood Circle
- Century Farms Park – 715 Sigmund Road
- Country Lakes Park – 1835 North Aurora
- Dorothea Weigand Riverfront Park – 2436 S Washington Street
- DuPage River Park – 808 Royce Road
- Frontier Sports Complex – 3380 Cedar Glade Drive
- Hobson West Ponds – 1047 S West Street
- Hunters Woods – 2007 Lakeview Court
- Kingsley Prairie – 160 Ring Road
- Knoch Knolls Commons – 323 Knoch Knolls Road
- Knoch Knolls Park – 336 Knoch Knolls Road
- Lincoln Greenway – 1052 Edgewater Drive
- May Watts Park – 804 S Whispering Hills Drive, also accessible from Sequoia Road and Oakton Road.
- Nike Sports Complex – 288 W Diehl Road
- Oleson Estates Park – 1415 Dunrobin Road
- Pioneer Park – 1212 S Washington Street
- Rivercrest Estates Park – 11S087 Sheri Street
- Rock Ridge Park – 1316 Green Trails Drive
- Seager Park – 1163 Plank Road
- Springbrook Crossings – 1211 Leverenz Road
- Springbrook Golf Course – 2220 W 83rd St
- Springbrook Parkway – 2359 Nottingham Lane
- Stanford Meadows – 1991 Stanford Drive
- Veterans Park – 303 E Gartner Road
- Westglen Commons – 467 Westglen Drive
- Wildflower Park – 2122 Aurora Avenue
- Willowgate Square – 408 Travelaire Avenue
- Wil-O-Way Commons 1071 W Jefferson
- Winding Creek Park – 144 W Bailey Road
For more information on prescribed burns at Naperville parks, visit napervilleparks.org/prescribedburns.
