Warwick, ON (March 13 2026) ‒ This March, a controlled burn will be carried out at the Warwick Conservation Area in Lambton County, Ontario. The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is working with St. Clair Region Conservation Authority and Wildfire Burn Specialists Inc. to carry out the prescribed fire in an effort to control invasive phragmites. This work will restore natural wetland function and habitat quality and protect nearby residents and infrastructure by reducing wildfire risk posed by the site’s dense, dead phragmites stalks. The burn will be executed by trained professionals between March 14 and March 31, pending favourable weather and site conditions.
Controlled, or prescribed, burns are intentionally set, professionally managed fires to achieve ecological goals, such as habitat restoration and invasive species management. The controlled burn at Warwick Conservation Area will target a large, dense stand of invasive phragmites which has severely degraded the site’s natural wetland, posing risks for nearby communities. The fire will clear the biomass (vegetation) that restricts native plants from growing, making it easier to target any remaining invasive phragmites following the burn. Fire also effectively clears seed heads and unwanted brush and plants, allowing sunlight to reach the soil and water in the wetland, aiding in the restoration of native species. Burns are conducted only under specific weather conditions to ensure safety and control.
These ecologically beneficial burns will be managed by NCC and Wildfire Burn Specialists Inc., an independent prescribed burn consulting firm. Detailed burn plans, fire permits and insurance are secured in advance. Depending on weather and wind conditions, burns may occur during daytime or nighttime hours, and last up to two days. This is an innovative ecological effort that protects both nature and people at the same time.
For safety reasons, public access to the Warwick Conservation Area will be restricted during the burn period.
This project was undertaken with the financial support of the Government of Canada, through the federal Department of Environment and Climate Change Canada.
Quotes
“Prescribed burns are an essential tool in habitat restoration and one of many used against invasive phragmites. Collaboration is critical in restoring healthy wetlands like the one within the Warwick Conservation Area and we look forward to working with SCRCA to remove the dense stands of invasive phragmites. Together, we are mitigating risk of uncontrolled fire in the future, protecting local communities, and ensuring native wildlife can thrive.” – Kyle Borrowman, Habitat Restoration Manager, Nature Conservancy of Canada
Find photos of controlled burns here.
Facts
- Invasive phragmites is a perennial grass native to Europe, often found in wetlands, roadside ditches and along shorelines. It grows in dense, impenetrable stands and reaches heights of up to six metres. Considered Canada’s worst invasive species, it damages critical wetland habitats, impedes drainage infrastructure, and impacts visibility at rural intersections.
- This project will enhance biodiversity and benefit many species, including great blue heron, wood duck, and several species of turtle and frog.
- Nearly half of Canada’s wildlife species and a third of species at risk depend on wetlands for at least part of their lifecycle. Canada is home to one quarter of the world’s wetlands, which cover 15 per cent of our country’s landmass. It’s estimated that 70 per cent of southern Canada’s wetlands have been lost over time.
- Wetlands help keep costs down to manage flooding, drought, storm damage, and water treatment. They naturally absorb storm surges, reduce flood severity, filter pollutants and recharge groundwater.
- These prescribed burns are part of ongoing habitat restoration efforts by NCC and partners through the Ontario Phragmites Action program. This collaborative effort enhances a coordinated response to invasive phragmites and enables various working groups across the province to take direct action in managing invasive phragmites at a landscape scale. The program is supported by the Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources and is implemented by NCC and the Invasive Species Centre.
About
Since 1962, the Nature Conservancy of Canada has brought people together to protect the lands and waters that sustain us all. As an environmental charity working hand in hand with communities, Indigenous Nations, governments and businesses, we deliver nature-based solutions at a scale no one else can. Our conservation work safeguards clean air and water, stores carbon and reduces the risks of floods and wildfires — protecting our health, strengthening local economies and building more resilient communities. Together, we unlock nature’s power, so life can thrive. Learn more at natureconservancy.ca
The St. Clair Region Conservation Authority is located in southwestern Ontario and includes the Sydenham River watershed and smaller watersheds draining directly into southern Lake Huron, the St. Clair River, and northeastern Lake St. Clair. The Conservation Authority implements programs to reduce the risk to life and property from flooding and erosion and promote water and land stewardship, forestry, wildlife habitat creation, conservation education, and outdoor recreation. For more information, visit our website at www.scrca.on.ca.
Contact
Media inquiries:
Gen Pintel
Communications Specialist
Nature Conservancy of Canada
gen.pintel@natureconservancy.ca
Fire-related inquiries:
Luke King
Coordinator, Habitat Restoration Program
luke.king@natureconservancy.ca