Nevada County, CA — Making a New Year’s resolution is easy. Following through is harder. To help residents take real steps toward wildfire preparedness, the Wildfire-Ready Coalition (Coalition) of Nevada County is offering a series of free workshops and community events.
“These events are about helping people move from good intentions to meaningful action,” said Jo Ann Fites-Kaufman, fire scientist and President of the Coalition.
Caring for Forests to Protect Communities
Residents are encouraged to care for forests to better protect homes and neighborhoods. Guided winter forest walks will run from January 31 through March 14, showing how forest health, wildlife habitat, and wildfire resilience connect. A Tree’s Eye View webinar took place January 21. A recording is now available on YouTube.
“Overcrowded forests are more likely to suffer from beetles, provide poor wildlife habitat, and burn intensely in a wildfire,” said Fites-Kaufman.
A hands-on Pile Burn Workshop on February 7 will teach residents how to burn safely, prevent escapes, reduce smoke, and improve defensible space. The Nevada County Resource Conservation District is also hosting prescribed-burn workshops throughout February.
“Burning is a great tool for reducing built-up forest floor litter and fuels,” said Dario Davidson, Registered Professional Forester and Coalition volunteer.
Building Resilience at Home
Another workshop series focuses on home hardening and defensible space.
“Studies have shown that home hardening and good defensible space can improve a home’s chance of surviving wildfire by 50 percent or more,” said Terry Hastings, Harmony Ridge FWC leader and Coalition volunteer.
A Wildfire-Ready Home Workshop on January 25 sold out, with more sessions planned for spring. Residents can sign-up for a waiting list. A Fire-Smart Landscaping Workshop on January 28 will include Zone 0 transplanting demonstrations and practical tips for safer yards.
Strengthening Neighborhood Connections — Wildfire-Ready Together
Wildfire preparedness works best when neighbors act together. Community events throughout the year will help residents connect and prepare collectively.
A Hearts on Fire event will be February 13 at Miners Foundry in Nevada City. Co-sponsored with the Nevada City Office of Emergency Services, the free, art-centered event brings together residents, artists, and Firewise Communities to celebrate community and wildfire resilience.
The evening will include wildfire-resilience inspired art, live glass-blowing, talks, music, food, and a special exhibit by CHIRP (California Heritage: Indigenous Research Project)/Nevada City Rancheria Nisenan. Proceeds from a live auction and meal tickets support the Coalition.
About the Wildfire-Ready Coalition
The Wildfire-Ready Coalition of Nevada County is a volunteer-driven nonprofit that supports wildfire education, Firewise Communities, and collaborative preparedness efforts. Its mission is to move communities from awareness to action. Join us and support the Coalition’s workshops, community events, FWC support and more.