Emergency NumbersPhone Book (Must be on-campus or have a valid network account)
Spring 2012
Update - Tuesday, May 8
Due to rain in the forecast, the scheduled Tuesday, May 8 burn, has been CANCELLED!
No further burns are currently planned this spring. We were able to complete our final burn on May 7th. Thank you for your help.
View photo slide shows from the 2012 Spring Burns and the 2011 Fall Burns or check out the photos on our Facebook page.
Thursday, March 29
All burns are weather dependent; we take into account wind direction and speed, any drought conditions, among other factors before moving ahead with a burn. Sign up for volunteer shifts using the online form. Check your email and this website for any updates and to confirm that a scheduled burn is proceeding. Check out a slide show of one of last fall's burns!
All volunteer shifts are outlined in the volunteer form. You must stay for your entire shift. MEET AT SAINT JOHN'S FIRE HALL at 2:00 PM for the first shift. All shifts begin and end at the Saint John's Fire Hall (#24 on the campus map). PLEASE REVIEW THE CLOTHING AND SAFETY INFORMATION AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE. Don't forget to bring a water bottle!
About
Prescribed fires at Saint John's Arboretum are an important land management activity. Prairie plants are pyrofites. That is, they thrive in the presence of fire. Not only do fires release nutrients to the soil and open up the ground layer for new plants, but they also work to fend off invading woody and non-native species.
Cost is free and the burn is open to CSB/SJU students, staff, Arboretum members, and non-members. Check out some of the pictures from past burns.
Scheduling
All prescribed fires are dependent on the weather and conditions on the ground. Please review the volunteer information below and fill out a volunteer form if you are interested in helping out.
Current Burn Plans
- 2012 Spring Saupe Unit
- 2012 Spring Joyce Unit
- 2012 Spring Eich Farm
- 2012 Spring Oak Savanna 610
- 2012 Spring Cemetery
- 2012 Spring Sample Prairie 640
Volunteer Information
The work is physical and involves using a shovel or a backpack water tank or a torch. We can also use volunteers for jobs like photography and check-in. No matter what you do, you and your clothes will get smoky and dirty!
You must stay for your entire shift and may not come late or leave early. It is too hard to safely keep track of people coming and going. We have fire shirts, helmets, and gloves for twenty volunteers. Fill out a volunteer form if you are interested in helping out. If you are not yet on our list to receive e-mail notifications of volunteer opportunities, complete the online volunteer form to be added to the list. Contact us early to ensure your participation! Meet at the Saint John's Fire Hall (see campus map) to sign in and receive safety gear.
Clothing
On the day of the burn, you will need cotton jeans, and a cotton shirt or sweatshirt for your outer layer; it gets cold in the evening. Wear leather boots or the heaviest shoes you have. Bring a water bottle that fits in your pocket or can clip to your belt. Dress for the weather and bring extra layers to keep warm. Wool is a good option that is both warm and non-flammable. We will furnish you with a fire shirt, hard hat, and cotton gloves. If you have leather work gloves, feel free to bring them. DO NOT BRING OR WEAR ANYTHING MADE OF FLEECE OR POLYESTER AS IT BURNS TOO EASILY.
Safety
We will give you a safety briefing, teach you to use the hand tools, and assign you to a leader.