Use of controlled or “prescribed” burns is both an ancient art and a new science. Here in the North Bay, the practice was used for centuries before the arrival of Europeans. Today, it is an essential tool in promoting both fire resiliency and biodiversity.

That’s why we’re so pleased that the prescribed burn at Van Hoosear Wildflower Preserve on May 22 was such a success! The burn treated over 30 acres of grassland for noxious invasive species, leaving it primed for the Preserve’s famous wildflowers.

Since 2004, we’ve worked with the Preserve’s owners to manage its meadows, grasslands, oak woodlands, and riparian habitats. It is our hope that the May 22 burn here in Sonoma Valley will be a model for future land management efforts in California grasslands.

An action like this takes many trained hands and focused minds to come off successfully. We could not have done it without the expert help and enthusiastic support of our partners: Audubon Canyon Ranch’s Fire Forward program, Good Fire Alliance, Prometheus Fire Consulting, the Mendocino Volunteer Fire Department, Santa Clara Regional Parks, Sonoma Ag+Open Space and the Preserve’s owners. Thank you all!

SEE DRONE FOOTAGE OF THE VAN HOOSEAR PRESCRIBED BURN