Birkett Lane

• Invasive tree and shrub removal
• Prescribed burns
• Native grass and wildflower seeding
• Vegetation mowing
• Annual vegetation monitoring
• Annual grassland bird monitoring
• Installation of interpretive signs

You can learn more about these practices on the Grasslands stewardship page.

2025 spring prescribed burn

The Grand River Conservation Authority is conducting a prescribed burn this spring at the Birkett Lane property. The burn is scheduled to occur sometime in the month of April. The exact date of the burn is not known as the burn must take place when weather conditions allow.

About 9.0 hectares will be burned. The burn will be conducted by the Prescribed Burn Unit from Lands & Forests Consulting. The company strictly follows the intensive Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry guidelines for prescribed burning to ensure safety and effectiveness. Natural firebreaks will be used to protect adjacent properties and contain the burn within GRCA land. City of Brantford municipal government, nearby property owners, the fire department and police service have been notified. The fire department will be notified of the exact time of the prescribed burn, once it is known. Signs will be posted at the site on the day of the burn. The public is reminded to obey all signage in the area and follow directions of on-site staff. Fire and smoke may be visible for up to four hours and will be easily seen from the surrounding area.

The goal of the prescribed burn is to reduce native woody plants and non-native grasses, so that the proportion of native grasses will increase. Native species can tolerate fire, so burning the land clears out non-native species. Fire also releases important nutrients into the soil, which promotes growth and increases seed yields of native wildflowers and grasses.

Please contact GRCA’s Natural Heritage Specialist for more information.