Prescribed Burn at Boyd Hill Wednesday

The trails at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve will be closed on Wednesday for a prescribed burn. Weather permitting, officials will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Feb. 6. The burn is expected to be completed by the end of the day.

Residents should expect to see smoke disperse over the preserve and Lake Maggiore. Although the trails will be closed, the picnic area and education center will be open. If the weather is considered unfavorable the day of the burn, it will be canceled.

According to the press release provided by Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, prescribed burning reduces the risk of wildfires by consuming the natural build-up of dead vegetation.

Officials also say the burn helps with natural pine regeneration, new growth of nutritious plants and recycling nutrients into the soil. It also helps maintain a healthy habitat for Gopher Tortoises.