Marshalltown residents might see smoke and a fiery glow in the sky next week. The Marshall County Conservation will hold a scheduled controlled burn at Grimes Farm, with a date to be determined.

Naturalist Emma Bruck said the controlled burn is held annually, but this year’s is larger, covering seven acres, and will be held in the evening. Staff will also complete smaller burns in surrounding ditches as conditions allow.

“Controlled burns are an important management tool used to maintain healthy prairie ecosystems,” she said. “Fire helps remove invasive species, recycle nutrients back into the soil and promote the growth of native plants. The burn is carefully planned in advance, and once conditions are appropriate, including wind, humidity and temperature, trained staff ignite the fire using specialized equipment such as drip torches.”

Trained staff members will be on site throughout the burn. Bruck said they are assigned specific roles and will be equipped with tools such as water tanks and communication devices. Firebreaks are established ahead of time to contain the burn within the designated area, and conditions will be continuously monitored to ensure safety. Bruck said the seven acres have been prepared in advance for an effective burn.

“The land will continue to be managed as native prairie habitat,” she said. “The burn helps improve habitat quality for wildlife and supports the long-term health and diversity of native plant species.”

Marshall County Conservation has extended an invitation to the public to come and watch the burn, which begins at 7:30 p.m., because it is an educational opportunity.

“Controlled burns are a valuable conservation practice, and this allows people to see firsthand how they are conducted safely and why they are beneficial,” Bruck said.

For people who attend, she added they will be required to stay within designated viewing areas, to maintain a safe distance from the burn area and follow staff instructions at all times.

“Public safety is our top priority, and all burns are conducted only under appropriate conditions by trained professionals,” she said.

What: Grimes Farm Prairie Burn

Address: 2349 233rd St.

Date: To be determined, with notice sent out a day or two beforehand

Time: 7:30 p.m.

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Contact Lana Bradstream at 641-753-6611 ext. 210

or lbradstream@timesrepublican.com.