In the Field
Well-executed field trips allow for some of the most effective direct engagement around prescribed fire. Despite tours requiring some effort, practitioners consistently report positive outcomes and strong impact.
Worth your while.
Best Practices for Engagement in the Field
Tailor your tour to your audience. Select a location and subject matter that will target attendees values, interests, and needs.
Consider safety requirements. Prescribed fire field trips typically take place at live burns, pre/post-burn sites, or other restoration areas. You’ll need to plan ahead as you might need an escort and provide PPE.
Have a backup plan. Changing weather patterns, burn windows, remote locations, and safety are all factors that might impact whether a field trip can be executed as planned. Come up with some alternative options in case things need to be changed.
Communicate expectations. In the case you are visiting a live burn, identify a set of dates or a timeframe with the understanding that the target audience must be flexible—communicating how and why burn windows are formulated helps your audience understand the careful planning and protocols involved.
Work with partners. Bring in any relevant partners and ensure all have opportunities to participate and present.
Use signage to support self-guided tours. Utilize educational and informative signage at burn sites that are accessible to the public. This provides opportunities for building understanding about the effects of prescribed fire and fire’s role in the landscape. See examples of signage here.