Prescribed burns
Each spring, the rain gardens and areas near wetland ponds of the Towar Gardens Drains are treated to a burn, which restores native plantings that clean stormwater
Why burn?
Historically, fire was a common feature of the Midwest landscape. By reintroducing fire we are reintroducing a natural process. With the cessation of fire, we have allowed many fire-intolerant, non-native plant species to out-compete the native, fire-adapted plants. Native plants are needed at Towar for their superior ability to help cleanse stormwater of pollutants from our neighborhoods.
Are burns safe?
Each burn is conducted by well-equipped, fully trained staff with the Meridian Township Fire Department in attendance. A prescribed burn will produce some smoke. In general, emissions from burns are significantly less than those produced from mowing a comparably-sized site. Persons needing to avoid any smoke exposure for medical reasons may leave contact information with the Ingham County Drain Commissioner’s Office, and they will be given individual notice of the burn timing. Animal life will be protected by not burning while ground nesting activity occurs.
When do burns take place?
Burns are best done in Spring, before much new growth has occurred. In order to conduct a prescribed burn, we must wait until conditions are right. Weather conditions, such as temperature, wind direction and strength, humidity, barometric pressure, and ground moisture, all must be within the proper range before we proceed. Local news media are notified on the morning we conduct the burn. If you would like to be notified on the morning we plan to burn, please call the drain office at 517-676-8395.