Breaking Barriers with Fire
Women gain hands-on fire training at Trailblazers Academy.
Overview
Nestled within the sweeping Loess Hills landscape of Plymouth County, Iowa, a new training initiative is giving women the tools to excel in prescribed fire management.
The Trailblazers Academy, an annual prescribed fire workshop hosted by The Nature Conservancy, provides folks with the opportunity to develop their operational and leadership skills in the field of prescribed fire. Although the Trailblazers’ program is open to all apllicants, the focus of the program is to empower female fire practitioners. In the U.S., women make up around 30% of natural resources professionals. Of that percentage, fewer than 20% are in leadership roles. Trailblazers not only builds fire skills, but leadership skills as well.
Hosted at Camp Joy Hollow within TNC’s Broken Kettle Grasslands Preserve, the academy is more than just a training ground—it’s a movement. Over 120 women from across the United States and Canada have attended the academy in its first three years, highlighting the program’s growing reputation and impact. These participants range from firefighters and professionals working in natural resource management to landowners and students, each eager to gain experience and contribute to conservation efforts through prescribed burns.
Under the guidance of experienced female instructors, participants learn essential fire management techniques, including fire ignition, suppression and radio communication. The hands-on training is reinforced through real-world applications, such as controlled burns.
Quote: Amy Crouch
It is inspiring to witness women from diverse backgrounds and professions coming together to support and learn from one another. We aim to foster a community where women can confidently thrive and excel.
“It is inspiring to witness women from diverse backgrounds and professions coming together to support and learn from one another,” says Amy Crouch, TNC's Little Sioux project director in Iowa and Trailblazers Academy Incident Commander. “We aim to foster a community where women can confidently thrive and excel."
The impact of the Trailblazers Academy extends beyond technical training. It fosters a supportive network of women who share a passion for fire and conservation.
The program is free for participants, eliminating financial barriers for those eager to gain hands-on fire experience. By providing a dedicated space to train and grow, the Trailblazers Academy is helping to cultivate a new generation of leaders who will shape the future of conservation and fire management.
Stay in the Loop.
Get conservation stories, news and local opportunities from where you live.
Baptism by Fire
Freelance writer Bethany Kaylor immersed herself in the 2025 Trailblazers Academy and turned the journey into a story worth reading.
Trailblazers 2025 Ignites Change in Loess Hills
Forty participants gathered in Iowa’s Loess Hills in June for the third annual Trailblazers Academy, a three-day prescribed fire workshop organized by TNC. The event began with a full day of hands-on training in fire safety, ignition techniques, radio communication and burn planning.
Over the next two days, participants divided into crews and deployed across Plymouth County to conduct controlled burns on 335 acres of prairie, oak savanna and wetland habitats. The program not only provided technical experience but also fostered leadership and mentorship in a field where women are underrepresented.
From controlled burns to leadership drills, every moment was a step toward a stronger, more inclusive fire community. We’re incredibly proud to be part of this movement and can’t wait to see how this year’s Trailblazers carry their momentum forward.
Trailblazers: Prescribed fire plays an important role in maintaining health lands. © Casey Struecker/TNC
Burn Plan: Ruth Campos (right) goes over a burn plan prior to a prescribed burn. © Casey Struecker/TNC
Trailblazers: Members of the burn crew are constantly observing and communicating about the fire's behavior and any change in weather conditions. © Casey Struecker/TNC
Fire Helmet: Proper fire equipment is key in every prescribed burn. © Taryn Samuels
Trailblazers: Trailblazers Academy brings together women from all across the country. © Casey Struecker/TNC
Trailblazers: Participants learn about basic medical aid, fire hand tools, ignition techniques, operating the radio, writing burn plans © Elizabeth Hoover
Trailblazers: A prescribed fire in the Loess Hills © Karlee Ketelboeter
Trailblazers: Trailblazers Acadamedy is hosted at Camp Joy Hollow within TNC’s Broken Kettle Grasslands Preserve. © Giada Morresi
Trailblazers: Learning about how to ignite prescribed fires using drip torches © Casey Struecker/TNC
Trailblazers: Participants get hands-on experience with fire equipment before the day's prescribed burn. © Casey Struecker/TNC
More Iowa Stories
Start Your Journey in Conservation with the Anna Beal Internship
Designed to inspire and equip the next generation of environmental leaders, the Anna Beal Internship offers real-world training in land stewardship, habitat restoration and wildlife protection.
What Is an Oxbow?
Learn how TNC is restoring oxbow wetlands to help wildlife, reduce flooding and improve water quality in Iowa.
Power of Wetlands
Wetlands are nature’s solution to flooding and water quality challenges in Iowa. Find out how we’re conserving and protecting them.