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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.
 
For questions about the program or to join our mailing list, please contact: fire@naturecenter.org
Opportunities & Resources

Prescribed fire 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) 
  • E-mail certification to fire@naturecenter.org to receive a link to our What’s App channel and be added to our e-mail list for communications about burns 
  • 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

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

Earn a NWCG Basic Wildland Firefighter certification.

TWO OPTIONS:
March 19, 2026 Register here > 
April 16, 2026 Register here >
Fee: $150, includes lunch
 
This course has mandatory prerequisites. Online S-130/S-190 modules must be completed prior to the field day, with proof of completion submitted before FFT2 certification will be awarded.
Click here for more info on online modules >
Course summary: The field day will review wildland fire tools, communications, safety, radios, weather reporting, ignitions, water pumps and hoses, constructing a fireline, fire shelter deployment, and a pack test.
 
RT-130 Fire Refresher

March 20, 2026 Register here >
FREE program. Lunch NOT included.

Course summary: NWCG RT-130 Fire Refresher is for any current 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.
 
Given enough interest, a second RT-130 date may be scheduled in April. Contact fire@naturecenter.org for more information

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! 

Person using a torch in a field during a prescribed burn
Ways to Get involved at the Kalamazoo Nature Center
a group of people walking with shovels and young trees for planting in a fall woodland

Volunteer

At the Kalamazoo Nature Center, volunteers are at the heart of everything we do. Whether they’re lending a hand with a special event, helping care for the land, or supporting educational programs, we offer a wide variety of volunteer opportunities.

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Research staff in green field

Community Science

As a Community Scientist, people of all ages and experience levels help gather different kinds of data about nature. This data is used to advance research, advise land managers, and inform policy makers to understand our changing climate, the health of our natural resources, and the quality of our wildlife habitats. 

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