Fire has been a critical force shaping Illinois landscapes for thousands of years. Today, land managers are reintroducing prescribed fire to support the function and biodiversity of our ecosystems.
This single-session program begins in the classroom, where participants will explore the role of fire in shaping landscapes and its importance for the survival and health of oak trees and other key species. Afterward, we’ll walk the Arboretum grounds to observe the places where prescribed fire has been used to support resilient woodlands, wetlands, and prairies.
This program meets in person at the Arboretum.
Instructor: Susan Lawrence, adjunct professor, Aurora University
Age: 16 and older
Course number: N450
Instructor
Susan Lawrence, adjunct professor, Aurora University
Susan Lawrence holds a master of science degree and is an adjunct professor of biology at Aurora University. She is a retired senior ranger at the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County with abundant experience in urban wildlife and their habitats.
What to Know
This program is held both indoors and outdoors. Please check the forecast and dress for the weather in layers that can be removed for the indoor portion.
Bring a snack and water
Wear comfortable shoes that can get dirty, and be prepared to walk more than a mile on uneven terrain.
Program Schedule
Saturday, March 21, 2026, 9:30 a.m. to noon
Thornhill Education Center (parking lot P-21), West Side
