Prescribed Fire Program

Kalamazoo Nature Center’s land management team is trained in wildland firefighting and uses prescribed fire to restore and maintain habitats, combat invasive vegetation, and reduce fuel loads in a variety of natural communities on KNC properties and in the region. Our staff is committed to networking with the Michigan Prescribed Fire Council and other partners to offer fire trainings, public outreach, and volunteer opportunities throughout the southwest Michigan region.

KNC Prescribed Fire

For questions about the program or to join our mailing list, please contact:

Prescribed Fire Volunteers

Prescribed Fire Volunteers 

Volunteers are welcome to come help alongside trained KNC staff to burn various habitats on KNC property and other plots in the SW MI region. 

Requirements/Become a Volunteer:  

  • Attend KNC annual fire refresher training offered each spring 
  • Hike off-trail on uneven terrain 
  • Carry up to 50 pounds 
  • Wear closed-toes leather work boots (no steel-toes) 
  • Register as a KNC Volunteer (<hyperlink to KNC Volunteer registration form) 
  • Personal Protective Equipment (helmets, fire-resistant outerwear, gloves, radios) will be provided on burn days 

Potential burn days will be communicated via the What’s App channel and email a few days prior with confirmed GO/NOGO announced by the morning of the burn day.  

Fire Trainings

Fire Trainings

KNC partners with Michigan Prescribed Fire Council and other regional organizations to offer at least one fire field training and fire refresher annually.

RT-130 Prescribed Fire Refresher

May 5, 2026 Register here >
FREE program. Lunch NOT included.

Course summary:The RT-130 Fire Refresher is required annually to maintain NWCG certifications (FFT2 and FFT1, etc.). This training is free to everyone. We will review past fire season lessons and conduct several hands-on group activities. This training will also include a fire shelter deployment and an optional pack test. All participants should wear comfortable clothes and running shoes/sneakers and bring a packed lunch. We will have extra gloves, helmets, and tools to borrow for any exercises. We have a limited number of weighted vests you can borrow for the pack test. You are welcome to bring your own weighted vest or loaded backpack for the pack test if you plan to participate. Must be at least 18 years or older to participate.

Arduous – 3 miles, 45 pounds, 45 minutes  

Moderate – 2 miles, 30 pounds, 30 minutes  

Any questions about the trainings should be directed to   

This training is a joint effort of the Kalamazoo Nature Center and the Michigan Prescribed Fire Council. Support for this training comes from the USDA Forest Service Cohesive Fire Strategy.

Collaboration

Collaboration 

The Kalamazoo Nature Center is interested in partnering to expand the use of prescribed fire in Michigan.  

Kalamazoo Nature Center was awarded a USDA Forest Service Cohesive Fire Strategy grant in 2024 to explore the current status of burn crews, prescribed fire capacity needs, and potential solutions through collaboration of organizations within southwest Michigan to increase prescribed burning on public and private lands. KNC has started conversations around a SW Michigan Fire Collaborative and the region’s fire community determined the top priorities to expand use of fire are fire trainings, personnel sharing, public outreach, and communications. The Collaborative group is committed to meeting annually to network and make goals for each year. 

The Kalamazoo Nature Center also partners with and participates in the Michigan Prescribed Fire Council, a statewide organization that promotes the safe use of prescribed fire in Michigan.  

If you are interested in partnering with us, please reach out to begin conversations.  

Check out our storymap of regional fire research and collaboration resources: https://arcg.is/nGOnD0 Use these research-backed resources to write applications for grants, develop public education resources, and more!