Prescribed Fire Training & Mentorship 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

Burn Boss: Ryan Koziatek

Fire Mentorship Program 

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Program Description >

Applications will be accepted until Feb 28, 2026.  

Prescribed fire is an important habitat conservation tool. The Kalamazoo Nature Center’s new training and mentorship program will provide participants with an opportunity to learn about careers in prescribed fire, build connections with local professionals, and earn entry-level crew member qualifications. This program is funded by a grant from the USDA Forest Service Cohesive Fire Strategy.  

This program is limited to a maximum of 10 participants. Applications will be reviewed and participants selected on a first-come, first-served basis with preference given to individuals who may not otherwise have the opportunity for this kind of training. Early applications are strongly encouraged. 

The Kalamazoo Nature Center provides equal opportunity to all people, including any persons of protected classes. For any questions or requests for assistance with accommodations, please contact: Jessica Simons at . 

Program Details: 

  • $500 stipend for program completion 
  • Earn a basic wildland fire fighter certification 
  • Hands-on experience on at least 3 burns 
  • Opportunities for networking with conservation and prescribed fire professionals 

Qualifications: 

  • 18 years or older 
  • Interest in prescribed fire; NO previous experience or gear needed to participate 
  • Must participate on at least 5 scheduled weekdays between March – June 2026 

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.

S-130/S-190 Basic Wildland Firefighter Field Day

March 19, 2026 Fee: $150 Fee, includes lunch
Register here >

Earn a NWCG Basic Wildland Firefighter certification. Online S-130/S-190 modules must be completed prior to the field day. Click here for more info on online modules >

The field day will review wildland fire tools, communications, safety, radios, weather reporting, ignitions, water pumps and hoses, constructing a fireline, and fire shelter deployment, and a pack test. Lunch will be provided on March 19, 2026.

Please note: 3/19 registrants do not need to register separately for 3/20. RT-130 is meant for people who have already received their Basic Wildland Firefighting Certification (S-130/S-190 aka FFT2) or higher.
RT-130 Fire Refresher

March 20, 2026 Lunch NOT included. Register here >

NWCG RT-130 Fire Refresher is for any wildland firefighter to renew their annual certification. Training will include review of fire shelter deployment, review last year’s local burns, sand table scenarios, and additional training modules.

A pack test will also be administered for moderate and arduous ratings.

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!