Field Notes: Learning to Burn

Fire is one of the most important — and misunderstood — tools in conservation. Watch as students in UW–Madison’s prescribed fire ecology and implementation course head to Curtis Prairie at the UW Arboretum to put classroom lessons into practice. From lighting prescribed burns to practicing fire suppression techniques, students gain hands-on experience managing fire safely and effectively. Along the way, you’ll hear from students about why they signed up for the course, what it’s like working on a live burn crew, and how fire helps maintain healthy prairies, grasslands, wetlands, and forests. So, grab your helmet, gloves, and plenty of water, and join us in the field as we explore how fire can be used to protect and restore Wisconsin’s landscapes.