In an unexpected twist, Fort Worth’s strategy of setting controlled fires is breathing new life into its natural landscapes. This approach, known as prescribed burning, is proving to be a game-changer for the city’s ecosystems. The initiative has seen significant expansion in recent years, with remarkable results.
The practice involves carefully planned and controlled fires that mimic natural fire regimes. These burns are conducted under specific conditions to achieve ecological benefits while minimizing risks. Fort Worth’s commitment to this method is evident in the record-breaking 1,000-plus acres treated during the winter burn season of 2026-2026.
Restoring Balance to Nature
The Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge has been at the forefront of this effort, with natural resource supervisor Jared Hall leading the charge. The center treated 1,036 acres during the recent burn season, a stark contrast to the 83 acres burned the previous summer. These controlled burns serve multiple purposes, including restoring natural land, encouraging biodiversity, clearing invasive plants, and preventing larger, uncontrolled wildfires.
The Power of Prescribed Burns
One of the most striking outcomes of these burns is the rapid regrowth of native plant species. Areas once dominated by leaf litter or invasive species are now flourishing with fresh greenery. Hall notes that biodiversity is thriving, with rare and never-before-seen plants emerging in the city’s prairies and woodlands. This resurgence of plant life provides more suitable habitats for animals and insects and encourages carbon sequestration.
The burn team has also made significant progress in combating Chinese privet, an invasive species that has plagued the southeastern United States since the 1850s. By treating these areas with prescribed burns, the team reduces the need for herbicides and alleviates the workload required to manage invasive species.
Expanding the Burn Program
The success of the burn program has led to its expansion beyond the traditional boundaries of the nature center. In 2026, Hall and nature center manager Jared Wood announced plans to conduct prescribed burns at the Rolling Hills Tree Farm, a city-owned facility where trees are grown and tended before distribution. This marked the first-ever treatment for the tree farm, covering 8 acres during the winter burn season.
The program’s reach has extended to other natural areas as well, including Chisholm Trail Park and the Tandy Hills Natural Area. In March, the Tarrant Regional Water District led a prescribed fire across the northeastern portion of Eagle Mountain Lake to improve habitats, control invasive species, and reduce flammable vegetation.
A Policy for the Future
Fort Worth’s prescribed burn program aligns with the city’s broader policy to better steward its natural areas. Adopted by city leaders, this policy outlines strategies for invasive plant removals, more prescribed burns, and stream habitat assessments. The goal is to guide Fort Worth’s care for plant life and healthy ecosystems, ensuring the continued success of the burn program.
Looking ahead, city staff plan to burn new areas, including recently established parks, as early as this summer. Hall emphasizes the city’s commitment to staying aggressive with the program, stating, “We plan to stay aggressive with it. We’re going to keep burning.”
The benefits of Fort Worth’s prescribed burn program are clear. By embracing this innovative approach to land management, the city is not only revitalizing its natural landscapes but also fostering a healthier, more diverse ecosystem for future generations.