Published: August 21, 2025
Bartow, Fla. (Aug. 21, 2025) — The Crooked Lake Sandhill nature preserve, located at 801 Hollister Road in Babson Park, will be closed to the public for a prescribed burn on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025. The preserve is expected to reopen on Friday, Aug. 22. Notice of closures will be placed at the site.
Prescribed burning is the careful application of fire under a set of stringent environmental and weather conditions. Prescribed burns are conducted when wind and weather conditions minimize smoke impacts to nearby residents and roads. All prescribed burns are subject to being postponed or canceled due to weather conditions and other factors.
For additional information on site or trail closures, please contact Polk County Parks and Natural Resources Division at (863) 534-7377.
Fires are a natural and important part of Florida’s landscapes that help restore balance to fire-adapted ecosystems. Polk County Parks and Natural Resources staff use prescribed burns to mimic historical natural fire cycles. These carefully applied fires maintain the health of Florida’s fire-dependent ecosystems, enhance wildlife habitat, improve soil health, promote biodiversity and reduce the risk of severe wildfires. Conducting periodic prescribed burns reduces vegetation and fuel loads, lowering the risk of intense, uncontrolled wildfires.