Controlled burn yields two benefits
Thursday, May 8, 2025
Photos by Rob Hinkal, social media specialist
There’s always something intriguing going on at Penn College’s campuses, and one calm-weather day in April unfolded a controlled burn for the benefit of forest technology students and the Schneebeli Earth Science Center woodlands.
Held with the assistance of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources and Tiadaghton State Forest fire crews, Penn College forestry instructor Eric C. Easton says the exercise provided two benefits: It offered wildland firefighter training for students, and it helped to improve wildlife habitat by controlling invasive species and enhancing the area for seedling growth.
With a drip torch, Penn College forest technology student Garrett H. Cunningham, of Woolrich, ignites the fire line during the controlled burn in Penn College's Schneebeli Earth Science Center woods.
The event was held with the assistance of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources and Tiadaghton State Forest fire crews.
Reagan M. Markley, of Jersey Shore, keeps watch. In addition to being a forestry student, she volunteers with the forest fire crew.
Eric Fritzinger, Tiadaghton fire forester, serves as the day's "burn boss" and gives directions.
Essential tools for a prescribed burn include this drip torch ...
... and technology to measure relative humidity, wind speed and wind direction.
Forestry student Brandon J. Homoki, of Nazareth, takes part in the training exercise.
Patrolling the fire line
Everyday heroes serving the community
Morgan R. Max, a forest technology student from Pipersville, keeps watch.
Cunningham signals success.
Any day in the woods is a great day for Homoki.