Photo courtesy of Ojibway.ca.Photo courtesy of Ojibway.ca.
Windsor

Smoke anticipated from prescribed burn

If you see smoke this week on Windsor's west side, don't be alarmed.

The City of Windsor is doing prescribed burns at the Ojibway Prairie Complex, specifically around Chappus Street, Ojibway Park, Spring Garden Natural Area and Black Oak Heritage Park. The city said areas will be closed during the burns and is recommending that neighbours keep their windows closed during the burns. City officials added the prescribed burns are used to manage Windsor’s Tallgrass Prairie and Oak Savanna ecosystems.

Staff will also be busy over the next few weeks cleaning up more than 200 city parks, natural areas and sports facilities.

“This is a very busy time of year for us and we know people are itching to use the parks, trails and outdoor sports fields,” said Parks Corporate Leader Jan Wilson. “One of the great things about living here is the enjoyment of four seasons, but one of the drawbacks is the need for transition time between seasons when we need time to make places safe and useable. We’re asking everyone to be patient.”

The city is asking park users to use paved areas during April and stay off wet and muddy areas because they could be damaged. Black Oak Heritage Park currently has restricted areas with signs in place and Windsor police will be enforcing those closed areas.

City officials also said Ojibway Park Spring Garden Natural Area, Oakwood Natural Area and Black Oak Heritage Park will all be getting extra work this spring to tackle invasive species, while protecting the habitats of native species.

The city is reminding the public that area sports fields are currently closed to active or team use and should open in May.

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