The Burn Guys

07/30/2026

Come join our local PFQF Senior Farm Bill Biologist, Caleb Crawford, at PBA members, Mary Ford and Dave Clifton’s property for a Pollinator and Forestry Habitat Tour!

And yes, we will be talking about the the benefits of prescribed fire, in addition to many other habitat topics and techniques! We hope to see you there!

07/07/2026

Hi everyone Take your kids or grandkids to see Caleb for a scavenger hunt and wildflower walk.

ATTENTION: Folks in and around Jefferson County!

Join senior FBB Caleb Crawford for a Children's Scavenger Hunt & Wildflower Walk!

When: July 17 from 6:30pm-7:30pm
Where: Blackberry Hollow Farm - 9175 East Piedmont Rd Bonnie, IL 62816.
Please view the flyer for more details.

This event is FREE but registration is REQUIRED.

Follow the link below to register and we hope to se you there! 👇
https://events.pheasantsforever.org/events/childrens-scavenger-hunt-and-wildflower-walk/0286d607-7445-4b03-98f6-f402c2f79779?fbclid=IwY2xjawS4odRleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFJZTFtaEd6UEZNbkluMmtxc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHn3WgGxPN_ElBiAufP1iKymKjCfTGZAlY9RJgk8zv8QEZuohHOVpM71sntKc_aem_sA9e6YXkVAX6tjK03beaRg

04/15/2026

Are you interested in learning more about how to implement prescribed fire?

Tall Timbers Research Station has launched a new Online Prescribed Fire Academy designed for private landowners and conservation partners. It’s a self‑paced introduction to safe burn planning, ignition techniques, smoke management, and the ecological importance of fire. Courses are open to the public and FREE until May 18th!! There a several course available, I recommend getting started now to take advantage of this opportunity as much as possible over the next month.

This is a great resource for landowners who want to use prescribed fire but need foundational training. It also supports the growth of local burn capacity and strengthens community‑led efforts like Prescribed Burn Associations.

For more information, please read this article by Tall Timbers - https://talltimbers.org/articles/new-online-prescribed-fire-academy-launched-for-private-landowners/ .

To start the Prescribed Fire Academy:
1) Watch this video to learn how to access the courses - https://youtu.be/cxHzBG-HXGk?si=MoKnV5r2gvnBuXaR
2) Open the Tall Timbers Course Platform to log in or create an account: https://talltimbers.instructure.com/login/canvas
3) Complete the evaluation form so Tall Timbers can make each course better before the next offering - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd-yfqDe1Ds5tV4rXK3WYyAX2YwlIIVROgW2jMzDVU4h7-rtQ/viewform


You can access the courses on mobile, but you must access it on a laptop/desktop first. Here are the steps:
1. Go to https://talltimbers.instructure.com/login/canvas on desktop/laptop to create an account
2. On desktop, navigate to your account page in the top left.
3. Click “QR for Mobile Login”
4. Read the warning and click “Proceed”.
5. Download the mobile app on your phone
6. Open your camera app.
7. Scan the QR code on your desktop with the camera.
8. Complete the login instructions on your phone to have access.

04/01/2026

With spring getting started we've hit the ground running on many conservation activities including prescribed fire, planting, and CRP enrollment.

It can be an overwhelming time trying to get started with any of these activities, even if you've been at it for years. Now is the best time to start getting answers to any of the questions you may have about your conservation activities.

Have a question for a biologist? Ask it in the comments by 4/6/2026 and we'll do our best to get you an answer.

*PLEASE keep the topics related to ILLINOIS plants, wildlife, habitat, CRP, or prescribed fire.

04/01/2026

This past Saturday we had a nice little burn on 5.5-6 acres timber. We had a 4 person crew and the fire sure stunted the growth of some of that invasive Bush Honeysuckle! We are looking forward to our next burn. If you were at our Organization meeting and signed up, and have your burn Plan let us know. We will get you on the burn list. Also if anyone needs help with putting in burn breaks. I will help you with that as well.