In "Don’t Stop Believin’ in Good Fire," John McCabe explores how prescribed fire has become one of the most powerful tools for restoring and protecting urban landscapes. Drawing on more than 30 years of experience and over 850 burns, John shares how the Forest Preserves of Cook County became a national leader in urban prescribed fire, overcoming the challenges of applying “good fire” in one of the most densely populated regions in the country. Attendees will gain insight into the science, strategy, and collaboration behind safely bringing fire back to the land, as well as local volunteer opportunities for habitat restoration.

SPEAKER: John McCabe, Director of the Department of Resource Management at the Forest Preserves of Cook County and President of the Illinois Prescribed Fire Council

John is Director of the Department of Resource Management at the Forest Preserves of Cook County, one of the nation’s oldest and largest urban conservation districts, which manages over 70,000 acres of public open space within the Chicagoland area. John has a degree in Forestry from Michigan Technological University and currently serves as the President of the Illinois Prescribed Fire Council, which advocates for the safe and continued use of prescribed fire across the state.

RSVP: Green Drinks - Chicagoland West RSVP Form

Look forward to seeing you there!