Chicago Wilderness Alliance offers the Midwest Ecological Prescription Burn Crew Member Training class through The Morton Arboretum. Based on the National Wildfire Coordinating Group’s (NWCG) S-130 and S-190 courses, this two-day training covers the basics of topics such as fire behavior, controlled burn techniques, and smoke management. The objective is to provide participants with the background necessary to safely participate on the crew of a controlled burn.
Please be aware that although the training is accepted by many of the natural resource management agencies in the Chicago Wilderness region as the minimum training required for a participant on a burn crew, it does not carry the official NWCG certification. This class can be taken as a supplement to the Natural Areas Conservation Training Program in natural areas management.
This class will take place in person and mostly indoors at The Morton Arboretum and will include presentations by expert instructors, live class discussions, and an in-person final exam. There will be breaks throughout the day and a lunch break in the middle of the day; please bring your own lunch and water bottle.
This program meets in person at the Arboretum.
Instructor: Jay Johnson, retired heritage site logistics manager, Forest Preserve District of DuPage County; and John McCabe, director, department of resource management, Forest Preserves of Cook County
Continuing education: Participants who attend both days of this program and successfully pass the concluding exam will receive a Chicago Wilderness Alliance Ecological Prescription Burn Crew Certificate.
Age: 16 and older
Course number: W500
Instructors
Jay Johnson, retired heritage site logistics manager, Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Jay Johnson spent 40 years working at the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County. During that time, he worked to maintain the preserves, provide oversight of boat rental and campground operations, managed the Nature Education Center & 1850’s Grist Mill at Fullersburg, instill a love of nature for all audiences through recreational programming. He was heavily involved in prescription burning for many years in all local fuel types and his work as an instructor of the Rx Burn Basic Crew Member class spans two decades. He is now retired.
John McCabe, director, Department of Resource Management, Forest Preserves of Cook County
John McCabe has worked for the Forest Preserves of Cook County since May of 1990. He has participated in over 500 fires and is recognized as an expert in conducting prescribed burns and wildfire suppression in the urban environment. He coordinates restoration projects and manages the Natural and Cultural Resources Master Plan, which sets forth the Forest Preserves’ land management direction for the next 25 years. He loves his job, as every day is an adventure at the Forest Preserves of Cook County!
What to Know
This class will take place in person and mostly indoors.
The class includes presentations by expert instructors, live class discussions, and an in-person final exam. You must attend both days of the class and pass the final exam with at least 70% correct answers to receive your certification.
There will be breaks throughout the day and a lunch break in the middle of the day.
Please bring your own lunch and water bottle.
Continuing Education
Participants who attend both days of this program and successfully pass the concluding exam will receive a Chicago Wilderness Alliance Ecological Prescription Burn Crew Certificate that allows them to participate in many regional burn programs under the supervision of a certified Burn Boss.
This program is not the equivalent of the National Wildfire Coordination Group (NWCG) Certification.
Program Schedule
Section A
Thursday, February 13, and Friday, February 14, 2025, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Arbor Room, Thornhill Education Center (Parking Lot 21), West Side
Section B
Saturday, February 15, and Sunday, February 16, 2025, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Arbor Room, Thornhill Education Center (Parking Lot 21), West Side
