Local Rain Gardens Continue to Thrive With Help From Controlled Burns

Archived News Release: February 28, 2024 - Controlled burns are scheduled to be performed during the spring months in rain gardens and stormwater features throughout Washtenaw County - as weather conditions permit. PlantWise, LLC, the contractor responsible for controlled burns for the Water Resources Commissioner’s Office, notes that “Before widespread European settlement, fire was the dominant natural process sculpting our natural areas. Most prairies, savannas, wetlands, and woodlands would burn on a regular basis.”

Ecologically, it is important to burn natural areas such as rain gardens so that the prairie-like ecosystems continue to flourish. Invasive species can frequently out-compete native plants and take over local ecosystems. Controlled burns help reduce invasive species and encourage native plants to thrive.

Controlled burns are anticipated to be conducted in the following sites:

Argo Park rain garden - near the canoe livery parking lot.
Bandemer Park detention basin - near the Ann Arbor Rowing Club parking lot.
Burns Park rain garden - around the tennis courts.
Mary Beth Doyle Park regional detention basin, wetlands, and rain gardens - near the Birch Hollow Drive parking lot.
Swift Run Marsh wet prairies - near Eddy St. and Verle Ave.
West Park stormwater basins.
Ann Arbor Waste Water Treatment Plant rain gardens.

The Washtenaw County Office of the Water Resources Commissioner collaborates with the City of Ann Arbor’s Parks and Recreation and Public Services departments on controlled burns located within the City of Ann Arbor.

Ann Arbor has 123,851 residents, spans 28.97 square miles and is frequently recognized as a foremost place to live, learn, work, thrive and visit. To keep up with City of Ann Arbor information, subscribe for email updates, and follow the city on Twitter and Facebook. The city's mission is to deliver exceptional services that sustain and enhance a vibrant, safe and diverse community.