Prescribed burns at Marquette Park help restore the natural habitat

GARY, IND.– On Sunday, March 24, the Gary Parks Department will implement an important conservation activity at Marquette Park, located at 1 N. Grand Blvd., Gary, IN 46403. A prescribed burn will be conducted within units 1 and 5 near Montgomery Street and Marquette Drive.

Road closures may be expected at: Oak Ave. and Newton, Grand Blvd. and Forest Ave., and Montgomery and Marquette Dr./Locust Ave. (See the red dots on map for road closure barriers. Alternate routes are highlighted in green).

Gary Parks Department has been permitted to conduct prescribed burns to help restore the natural habitat at Marquette Park and Brunswick Park. Prescribed burns remove organic material, create space for desirable plants, and curb invasive species. Additionally, these controlled fires reduce the risk of wildfires while sustaining ecological balance.

This strategic burn is essential for restoring and maintaining local native plant communities, which have co-evolved with fire over millennia. Additionally, it serves as a powerful tool to combat ticks and poison ivy.

The smoke resulting from the prescribed burn is not expected to impact neighboring properties adjacent to the park. For concerns, citizens may contact the Gary Parks Department at (219)-886-7099.

Media Contact:

Erika Blackwell

ofc: (219) 881-1314

cell: (219) 292-1251

em: eblackwell@gary.gov

‍