Burn Piles at Ocean Song

Let's Burn Piles at Ocean Song Preserve
Friday, March 14th, 2025
8:30 am to 2:30 pm 
 

Greetings community fire tenders,

LandPaths is pleased to announce the first season of our new Good Fire Program.  The Good Fire Program seeks to return fire to the land in a safe, respectful, and meaningful community-oriented way. We do this through a variety of burning techniques, from pile burning to prescribed fire, but also through an intermediate method of 'patch burns'.  Whether you are brand new to fire or are an experienced fire tender, the LandPaths Good Fire Program offers you a way to deepen your relationship with the land through fire.  

It's wildfire fuels reduction time on the preserve! Now that we've pulled tons of French Broom and lopped Douglas Firs, it's time to minimize the woody debris while it's okay to do burn piles. The more people we have, the more we can do! Come join us and help us return good fire to the land!

Tasks for the day include:  

• Hiking up and down moderate slopes 
• Lighting burn piles 
• Gathering wood debris and adding woody debris to burn piles 
• Adjusting pile shape with hand-tools 
• Putting out burn pile with water and hand-tools
• Assessing fire heat

What you should bring, if you have it: 

• Picnic lunch, snacks & plenty (2 liters+) of water, backpack to hold your gear
• Sturdy boots or shoes that can get muddy
• Long pants and fully non-synthetic clothing
• Sunglasses or safety glasses
• Bandana for your face/neck
• Leather gloves  
• Brimmed hat and sunscreen

What else do you need to know? 

• A handwashing station will be available.
• Expect to do a 1.5-mile round trip hike up a somewhat steep but well-graded trail to the project site. 
• You will be asked to sign a liability waiver.
• Restroom onsite
• No potable water available on the property. Make sure to fill up your water bottle ahead of time. 
• No pets or smoking. 

Where to Meet: We'll meet at 10am at the large, red-roof barn next to the dirt parking lot.  

Directions to Ocean Song –  From the town of Occidental, head west on Coleman Valley Rd for 1.8 Miles. At the intersection with Joy Road, turn right to remain on Coleman Valley Rd and continue an additional 3.4 miles to the main entrance to the preserve (19100 Coleman Valley Road), which will be on your left. Look for the 19100 address sign and a cedar wood fence and gate.  Staff or volunteers will direct you towards the barn and parking area. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE ADDRESSES ARE NOT IN ORDER ON COLEMAN VALLEY ROAD AND 19100 COMES AFTER 19999 IF COMING FROM OCCIDENTAL. 

Does rain mean the workday is canceled? The stewardship workday will move forward if there is a light drizzle, but a torrential rainstorm will cancel.  Please call 707-544-7284 (then press 1) after 7am the morning of the stewardship day if the weather feels questionable. If you don't hear a notice of cancellation on the outgoing voice message, the stewardship day is moving forward.  

Thank you for your interest in our Good Fire Program; we look forward to seeing you out on the land!