Fire Recovery Walks

The wildfires of October 2017 left their mark on the landscape, and also in the minds and hearts of the people who live here. Many have wondered what to expect from the land after so much of Sonoma Valley – an estimated 28 percent – burned.

We believe it helps us heal when we see the land heal. And in fact, those burned areas began healing quickly across Sonoma Valley, with dark ashen ground turning vivid green, then becoming dotted with brightly colored wildflowers. Meanwhile, burned oaks and other hardwoods began sprouting again, as did native chaparral.

This process shows in colorful splendor the swift regeneration of our landscape – and gives Sonoma Ecology Center’s expert ecologists plenty of opportunities to take people on walks that are both beautiful and educational. These walks also address a need local residents have had since the fires: to know that, just as our land heals quickly from the flames, so can we.

Sonoma Ecology Center’s Fire Recovery Walks, or “Fire Walks” for short, have been filling that need. The ongoing popularity of these walks – nearly all are filled to capacity – demonstrates the great enthusiasm people have for learning more about our fire-adapted landscape.

Come join us on an upcoming Fire Walk, and witness for yourself how the land was not harmed by the fires, but rejuvenated. In watching this process unfold, we can learn and become inspired – to make our community as well-adapted to wildfire as the land around us is.

Upcoming Walks

The following Fire Recovery Walks are scheduled for the upcoming weeks, with more to be added soon. These walks fill up fast, so click through to the registration page to make sure there’s still room and to register.

What to Expect

Most of our Fire Recovery Walks are easy strolls on well-marked trails, with little change in elevation. A few are more strenuous. (Each walk’s difficulty level is described on its registration page.) Typical walks take just over an hour, and are led by a trained ecologist who will point out details – such as charred trees or “fire follower” wildflowers – that are of interest in the post-fire landscape.

Soil erosion is an ongoing concern after wildfires. Ash and burned soil are porous and soft, making them vulnerable to disturbance, and sprouts and germinating plants are fragile. Therefore, we will generally stay on trails and watch carefully where we put our feet.

Support the Fire Walks

Sonoma Ecology Center’s Fire Recovery Walks are supported by our members and donors through the Sonoma Valley Fires Ecological Relief Fund, established to help meet our post-fire priorities of education, active response and prevention. One hundred percent of your donation to this fund will go to these immediate and long-term efforts in Sonoma Valley.

We look forward to seeing you, our friends, neighbors and supporters, on our Fire Recovery Walks! To sign up for a walk, click on the links above or check our events calendar.

 

 

Staff Only