Converting former agricultural fields into meadows filled with native species may seem straightforward, but establishing them is both time-consuming and costly. Once a meadow is in place, it requires ongoing maintenance to stay healthy. That’s why, this fall, The Parklands will conduct a single-day prescribed burn in the Seaton Valley meadow at Turkey Run Park.

The Role of Fire in Healthy Habitats 

Native meadow landscapes, like the Seaton Valley Meadow, are constantly under pressure from outside invaders. Non-native species like Johnsongrass, common teasel, and sericea lespedeza are persistent challenges. Another common issue is woody encroachment — the gradual spread of trees into open habitats. As ecologists often say, “everything wants to be a forest.” Trees are vital to our ecosystem, but unchecked growth can crowd out the diverse mix of plants and animals that depend on open meadows.

We know that both woodlands and meadows require disturbance to stay healthy. So how do we keep trees from taking over our meadows? Regular mowing rotations can slow encroachment, but if a field is left alone too long, many trees will resprout the next year and the problem continues. Herbicide is another option, but it is time-intensive and often too broad, risking damage to desirable native plants.

That’s where prescribed fire comes in.

Fire is the most cost-effective and natural tool we have for reducing woody encroachment, enhancing wildlife habitat, and promoting native plant growth across the landscape. A prescribed fire, also known as a controlled burn, is intentionally set and carefully managed by trained professionals under specific conditions in order to achieve ecological goals. Unlike wildfires, these burns are thoughtfully planned in advance with safety as a top priority. It’s a practice with deep roots — used by people around the world for centuries, likely far longer.

How a Prescribed Burn Works

1. Planning: Long before a single spark is lit, prescribed burns are planned in incredible detail. Our team, and other local agencies, study the site through extensive field assessments, set clear ecological goals, and write a step-by-step action plan based on The Kentucky Prescribed Fire Council’s guidelines. This plan will include a detailed outline of safety protocols, qualifying weather conditions, equipment needs, and emergency procedures and is peer-reviewed by other Burn Bosses ahead of the burn.

2. Preparation: Once the plan is set, we secure necessary permits, prepare equipment and staff, and wait for the right weather conditions to ensure safety and effectiveness. Firebreaks are determined and established to keep flames contained.

3. Execution: The burn is implemented in phases according to the burn plan, lead by a Burn Boss, whose primary goal is to ensure land management objectives are met while ensuring the safety of staff and the public. Small areas are lit at a time, moving strategically across the landscape until the defined perimeter is complete. The burn is continually monitored using specialized equipment and trained staff are positioned all around the perimeter to make sure the area is secure until all flames and embers are completely out.

4. Post-Burn: Crews ensure all embers are put out, remove the firebreaks, and clean up the area. Our team will evaluate the outcome and perform follow-up management to maintain the habitat in the months that follow.

Training and Expertise

Prescribed fire requires skilled leadership. At The Parklands, our burns are overseen by a certified Burn Boss, who is trained to evaluate weather, direct staff, understand fuels and ignition techniques, and ensure every step of the process is safe. Supporting them are additional staff members who are trained in fire management. This expertise allows us to apply fire as a precise tool — restoring habitats while protecting surrounding landscapes and our community.

What to Expect This Fall

This fall, The Parklands will be conducting a single-day prescribed burn of the Seaton Valley meadow in Turkey Run Park to set back invasive plants, reduce woody growth, and open the door for native wildflowers and grasses to flourish.

A range of dates will be determined based on forecasted weather and other important factors and will be announced as far in advance as possible. The official burn date can’t be determined until the day-of, due to the changing nature of the required weather conditions, but we will make every effort to provide clear communication before, during, and after the event to keep visitors informed. Our alerts page, at theparklands.org/alerts, will be the best place to find up-to-date information.

On the day of the burn, the northern entrance to Turkey Run Park, a section of the park road, and a section of the Louisville Loop will be closed to the public. Visitors may notice some smoke, staff vehicles, as well as fire trucks in the area. Do not be alarmed! Local fire authorities are already informed and will be on-site. The fire will be strategically started and put out as quickly as possible to reduce the amount of smoke and keep the closure time to a minimum. The area is expected to be closed for one day and will reopen promptly the next morning.

After the burn, you may notice some blackened fields in the affected area—this temporary change is a powerful step toward healthier, more vibrant meadows filled with native plants and pollinators next season.

Keeping The Parks Safe, Clean, Fun, and Beautiful

Prescribed fire opens the landscape, sets back invasive species, and creates space for native plants and animals to thrive, but fire is just one piece of the puzzle. Our team continually manages challenges across our 4,000+ acres, using a variety of methods to support healthy, resilient habitats. Follow-up care in burned areas will ensure the benefits of the prescribed fire are long-lasting, while ongoing stewardship across the park will continue to maintain thriving ecosystems for wildlife and visitors alike.

At The Parklands, it’s an important step to incorporate prescribed fire into our management toolkit. By doing so, we can better protect and maintain the critical habitats that make this place so unique, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy these natural spaces.

About the Author

Evan Cross, Burn Boss—and Assistant Director
of Natural Areas & Trails

Evan Cross joined The Parklands in 2020, first as a Gardener/Natural Areas Technician before becoming Trails Team Leader and later stepping into his current role as Assistant Director of Natural Areas & Trails. With more than a decade of land management experience across seven states—including service with AmeriCorps, the National Park Service, the Florida Forest Service, and The Nature Conservancy—Evan oversees trail care, habitat restoration, and ecological stewardship throughout The Parklands. As a Kentucky Certified Burn Boss, he also leads the park’s prescribed fire projects, applying his extensive experience in prescribed fire and wildfire suppression to help maintain healthy habitats.