Kankakee, IL – You may have noticed smoke coming from the Kankakee River on Leap Day. That’s because a successful prescribed burn was underway out on Langham Island at Kankakee River State Park, on February 29, aiding in the restoration of the island’s ecological balance.
According to the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission, the burn, conducted by specialists Kim Roman and Stone Hansard, represents an ongoing effort to improve the health of the island’s natural habitats. The controlled burn, which was rated a substantial 5 or 6 out of 10 for its effectiveness, is a part of a series of conservation actions by the Friends of Illinois Nature Preserves. Such burns are essential for the management of invasive species, promoting native vegetation growth, and reducing the risk of wildfires.
As the island’s flora and fauna adapt to these changes, the benefits of such ecological management are expected to enhance the area’s biodiversity. Further details and updates on the conservation efforts can be found on the Friends of Langham Island’s social media page.
