Controlled prairie burns are underway in several Eden Prairie parks as part of the city’s effort to restore and maintain native landscapes.

The city’s Parks and Natural Resources Division, with help from the Fire Department, began conducting prescribed burns this fall and expects to continue through early December. Each burn typically lasts one to three hours, depending on weather conditions. Staff monitor forecasts closely and coordinate with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to ensure safe burning conditions.

Planned sites include Fire Station No. 2 (12100 Sunnybrook Road), Miller Park, the Outdoor Center, Pheasant Woods Park, Rice Marsh Lake Park, the Water Plant (14100 Technology Drive) and the Water Storage Facility (8251 Eden Prairie Road).

Prescribed burns help rejuvenate native plant growth, control invasive species, improve wildlife habitat and reduce the risk of unplanned fires. The ground may appear charred afterward, but new growth will emerge in spring.

Residents near burn areas are typically notified by mail or door hanger the day before a scheduled burn.

More information is available at edenprairie.org/PrescribedBurn. If you have any questions, contact the city’s Parks and Natural Resources Division.