Prescribed prairie burn possible May 2

May 1, 2026-The Biology Department at Missouri Western State University will conduct a controlled burn of the John Rushin Teaching and Research Prairie this spring. The timing of the burn depends on weather conditions.

Prescribed burns help maintain the health of prairie land to ensure it remains useful for research and applied learning. It will also provide wildlife conservation management students real-world experience in skills they will use professionally.

To avoid any possible discomfort from the smoke, it is advised that residents in the area close their windows during the burn. People in the immediate vicinity who are particularly sensitive to smoke are advised to remain indoors during the burn.

When the prescribed burn takes place, traffic will be restricted on the roads adjacent to the prairie: 50th Street (Scanlon and Vartabedian lots will still be accessible) and Messanie Street. Please respect barricades and allow teams to burn the prairie safely.

Based on the short-range weather forecast, the first window of opportunity is tomorrow, Saturday, May 2. Organizers expect to start around 9 a.m. Burning may continue into the afternoon, depending on conditions and progress.

If Missouri Western is unable to conduct the burn on May 2, the next possible date is Friday, May 8.

Missouri Western State University is a student-centered learning community preparing individuals for lives of excellence through applied learning. Missouri Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit missouriwestern.edu.