Northern California wildfires have changed – becoming more frequent, hotter and bigger – and are changing the face and fabric of Northern California. They are causing people to move out of fire-prone areas, to work at hardening their homes and to seek ways to protect their land by mitigating the risk and intensity of fire. Geared toward small and large landowners, this program will show you some of the steps you can take, depending upon the type of forest you have on your land, to mitigate the severity and duration of a wildfire. Learn about tools and techniques from a diverse group of forestry experts anxious to share their knowledge so you can gain skills to help you become environmentally ready.
Leaders
- Linwood Gill, Chief Forester, Redwood Forest Foundation
- Mary Mayeda, North Coast Team Forester, Natural Resources Conversation Service
- Mike Jones, Forestry Advisor, Mendocino, Lake and Sonoma Counties, University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources
- Karen Youngblood, Forest Conservation Specialist, Redwood Forest Foundation
- Andy Balestracci, Logistics Manager, Galbreath Wildlands Preserve, Center for Environmental Inquiry, Sonoma State University
This program was developed in cooperation with the Anderson Valley Land Trust.
Details
After gathering at the Yorkville Post Office (see details below) at 9:30 a.m., we will drive to the Preserve and gather in an oak woodland to discuss the role of fire in this habitat and explore management practices including some hands-on fir removal and ways to dispose of the debris. After a short drive to a conifer forest, we will stop for lunch and our speakers will cover other management approaches relevant to this type of forest. We will return to the Yorkville post office by 2:30 p.m.
Logistics
While this event is geared toward landowners, everyone is welcome to attend. No strollers are permitted due to unpaved trails. All minors must be accompanied by a legal guardian. No previous experience or knowledge is required.
We will be driving two miles into the preserve. At times we will walk over uneven ground, up to a maximum cumulative half mile of walking.
We will meet in the parking lot of the Yorkville Post Office, 25400 Highway 128, Yorkville, between Cloverdale and Boonville. Parking at the post office is limited so please consider carpooling. At the post office, we will form carpools in 4- or all-wheel drive vehicles to caravan to, and traverse, the preserve. Masks are required.
Participants must sign a waiver upon arrival. Pets and smoking are not permitted. There is a restroom available at the Galbreath Preserve, but no drinking water. Stormy weather will cause us to reschedule.
COVID-19 Safety
At registration, you will be asked if you can provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination. All staff are fully vaccinated and boosted. Do not attend if you test positive for COVID-19 or if you have any symptoms that may be indicative of COVID-19, even if you are vaccinated. SSU requires that you must properly wear a mask when indoors (e.g., carpooling), even if you are vaccinated. Bandanas, gaiters or vented masks are not suitable. We will spend our time outdoors where social distancing is possible. All SSU updated guidelines can be found here.
What to Bring
Please bring a suitable mask, sun and insect protection, rain gear, water, lunch and shoes to hike in. Layered clothing and long pants are recommended.
How to Sign Up
Register at the link below. Please have each person attending register separately.
About the Center
Sonoma State University’s Center for Environmental Inquiry empowers university students to work with community members on the environmental challenges of the North Bay. Our mission is to create an engaged and environmentally ready society, one where all people have the skills to find solutions to the challenges facing our earth. SSU Preserves are open to everyone engaged in education or research. Reservations are required.