Fire on the Landscape – Forest Exploration Program | Black Hills NF

Join Black Hills National Forest and the Black Hills Parks & Forests Association for a guided hike starting at Buzzards Roost Trailhead on State Highway 44, west of Rapid City . This free program happens Saturday, August 23, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.

We’ll explore how wildfire shapes the land. Past and present. Destructive and renewing. Fire is a force that changes forests, meadows, and the wildlife that live there.

Your guide will share the history of fire in the Black Hills. We’ll talk about its role in keeping ecosystems healthy. You’ll learn how plants and animals adapt to, and even depend on, fire.

We’ll hike up to 2 miles on uneven terrain. Along the way, we’ll pause to look at signs of past burns. We’ll see how plants grow back. We’ll discuss how prescribed fire is used today to improve habitat and reduce the risk of large wildfires.

Fire opens the forest floor to sunlight. It creates space for new plants to grow. It returns nutrients to the soil. It makes food and shelter for birds, insects, and mammals.

Please come prepared for changing weather. Wear layers. Closed-toed hiking shoes or boots are required. Bring sun protection, water, and snacks.

This program is great for nature lovers, families, and anyone curious about the natural processes that shape the Black Hills. You’ll leave with a deeper understanding of fire’s role in this landscape—and a new way of seeing the forest.