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, heritage site logistics manager, Forest Preserve Districts of DuPage County; John McCabe, director, Department of Resource Management, Forest Preserves of Cook County
Continuing Education: Successful completion of this class is required to participate in prescription burn activities with many local landowners and agencies. Please check additional requirements with your organization.
Age: 16 and older
Course number: W500
Jay Johnson, heritage site logistics manager, Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Jay Johnson has been with the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County since 1985. During his time with the Forest Preserve District, he has worked to maintain the preserves, provide oversight of the boat rental and campground operations, instill a love of nature for all audiences through recreational programming, and he has assisted with natural resource management through various means. His work with resource management has included many years of prescription burning in all local fuel types. Most recently, he is overseeing operations at Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve, which includes a nature education center and an 1850s grist mill and museum.
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 takes place mostly indoors.
Please bring a lunch and snack, water bottle, and materials for taking notes and the exam.
This is a two-day class; participants must fully attend both days.
You must pass the exam to earn your certificate of completion.
There is no smoking anywhere on the grounds of the Arboretum.
Program Schedule
Section A: Thursday and Friday, February 15 and 16, 2024, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Arbor Room, Thornhill Education Center
Section B: Saturday and Sunday, February 17 and 18, 2024, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Cudahy Room, Administration and Research Center
