Have you always wanted to participate in a Prescribed Burn?
Do you have weekday availability March 1st through April 15th?
Prescribed burns are carefully planned, watched, and tended. In Ohio, fire is often used to encourage healthy ecosystems. Fire increases soil nutrients, stimulates vegetation growth, and provides important habitat for wildlife, including shelter and food.
Working on the fireline is physically and mentally demanding work, but it can also be very rewarding. Prairies are fire dependent ecosystems that have evolved with fire for as long as plants have been around. Prescribed fire is a mechanism to restore that natural process in a controlled setting, but we can't do it without a dedicated team of hard-working folks.
This opportunity demands consistent and dependable weekday availability from March 3rd through April 15th. This is a commitment. Additionally, participating in a prescribed prairie burn is a physically and mentally demanding activity. The physical demands of the burn can be intense, as participants may be required to hike long distances over uneven terrain, carry heavy equipment, and work in high temperatures. Additionally, the mental demands of the burn should not be underestimated. Participants need to be able to follow instructions precisely and react quickly to changes in the burn's conditions. Overall, while participating in a prescribed prairie burn can be a rewarding experience, it is not something that should be taken lightly. Participants must be prepared to meet both the physical and mental demands of the activity to support this unique opportunity.
No previous experience is necessary, but attending one of these trainings is required to be a member of the burn team. The training start at 8:30am and will go until around 12:00pm. There is an indoor classroom portion followed by breakout sessions to become familiar with the tools, equipment, and logistics involved. You only need to attend ONE training day.
DO YOU QUALIFY? This training and opportunity is reserved for adults, aged 18 and older, long-term volunteers who have completed their onboarding qualifications and have received an eligible background check. Learn more about our volunteer orientation and onboarding here.
RESERVE A SPOT: This training has limited spots. If you believe you are eligible based on the availability and physical/mental demands mentioned above, please RSVP YES to secure your spot.
See Conservation Volunteer Position Description for more detailed information.
Need help with your RSVP? Call #937-275-7275 or email us at volunteer.services@metroparks.org for assistance.
