Patch Burn at The Grove

Patch Burn at The Grove of Old Trees
Saturday, April 5th, 2025
8:30 am to 4 pm 
(Volunteers may leave earlier, but must arrive on time)
 

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 and letting them creep
• 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: Meet LandPaths' staff and other volunteers in front of Bohemian Market at 3691 Main St, Occidental, CA 95465. We will carpool/shuttle folks up to the parking lot of the Grove of Old Trees (17599 Fitzpatrick Ln, Occidental, CA 95465). Once everyone arrives we will hike to the project site.

Directions: The following directions are to the Grove parking lot. However, to reduce traffic on these narrow roads, we will be meeting at the Bohemian Market in the town of Occidental to carpool and shuttle folks to the Grove, so please use your GPS to find the Bohemian Market and park there. Directions to the Grove: Make your way to the town of Occidental and look for Coleman Valley Road – the main road exiting the West Side of town. Continue along Coleman Valley Road until the road makes a sharp turn to the right.  Go straight (do not continue on Coleman Valley Road).  You are now on Joy Road.  Take Joy Road for approximately ¼ mile where you will turn right on Fitzpatrick Lane. 

Proceed slowly on this narrow winding lane. Please remember to give right of way to vehicles traveling uphill. Stay on Fitzpatrick Lane approximately 5 minutes; the road banks to the left over a cattle grate, and up a moderately steep hill. The Grove will appear on your right. Follow the paved road along the Grove to the parking area on the right.

If you are driving from the local area or know others attending this workday, to your comfort, please consider carpooling to reduce the vehicle impact to Fitzpatrick Lane.  Thank You!

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!