Quarterly Newsletter

Introducing our NEW California Climate Action Corps Fellows!


We are so happy to introduce our four new 2024-2025 California Climate Action Corps Fellows. Melia, Aidan, Julie, and Alena are our wildfire resiliency specialists. They will be supporting Fire Safe Sonoma’s projects and programs like the Speaker Series and our Tool Trailer. We are so excited to have them as part of our team for the next 11 months.


To learn more about our Fellows, click here!


The California Climate Action Corps (CCAC) Fellowship is an AmeriCorps service program that’s part of a California statewide initiative to address and mitigate the effects of climate change. Annually, they match 400+ Fellows with public agencies, Tribes, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations across California for an 11-month Fellowship to mobilize community members to take direct climate action through education, volunteer mobilization, and assessment focused on urban greening, wildfire resiliency, and organic waste diversion and edible food recovery.


Learn more about California Climate Action Corps by visiting their website here!

The Wallace-Riebli Firewise Community Mural: A Symbol of Resilience

In June 2024, the Wallace-Riebli Firewise community completed a public mural that tells the story of their collective resilience in the face of wildfire. The mural, built from two 4-by-8-foot panels located at the intersection of Wallace Rd and Riebli Rd, symbolizes the long journey from devastation to rebuilding and renewal.


The mural is a true community effort, shaped by the experiences of those who lived through the fires. Over a series of design and painting workshops, participants shared their stories of loss, recovery, and reconnection. Through their reflections, key themes emerged—such as a deep bond with the land, awareness of living in a fireshed, and the sense of possibility that came from rebuilding their homes and lives.


Installed as a 3D pillar, the mural features oak trees, human hands interacting with nature, and the dynamic movements of fire and water. These elements symbolize both the destructive and regenerative forces at play. The mural’s vibrant design, co-created with guidance from lead artists, offered a powerful visual reminder of the community’s strength, resilience, and hope.


For those involved, the mural is more than just art—it is a testament to the shared journey of healing and rebuilding. As one community member expressed, “Fire gave us an opportunity to grow together.”


To read more about this project and who was involved, click here!

Sonoma County Welcomes 6 New Firewise Communities!


Big congratulations to the latest Sonoma County neighborhoods to earn their NFPA Firewise USA certification:


🌲 Rio Nido

🌲 Alta Vista Terrace

🌲 Summit View Ranch

🌲 Alta Vista Heights

🌲 Mountain Station

🌲 Central Sonoma Coast


These communities have stepped up their wildfire defense game, working together to create safer, more fire-resilient environments. But what does it mean to be "Firewise"? In short, it’s all about taking action—things like clearing vegetation, maintaining defensible space, and making homes more resistant to embers. By following guidelines from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), these neighborhoods are now better prepared to prevent wildfires and minimize damage if one occurs.

Sonoma County now has 27 Firewise Communities (and counting), and we’re ready to help even more residents take the steps needed to become Firewise. Fire Safe Sonoma, as the Firewise Regional Coordinator, is here to guide you through the process.



To get started, contact Marika Ramsden at marika@firesafesonoma.org.

Learn More

Upcoming Events

Help Tend the Forest for Wildfire Resiliency at Bohemia Ecological Preserve



Date: October 26, 2024

Time: 10:00am - 2:00pm

Location: 6407 Bohemia Highway, Occidental, CA 95465


Event Description: Join LandPaths' friendly stewardship staff in a morning and early afternoon dedicated to keeping the land healthy and resilient in the face of wildfire and other climate-change aggravated challenges. Plus, have fun outdoors with like-minded people!


Learn more and register using the button below.

Learn More


FSS Board Meeting




Date: October 28, 2024

Time: 3:30pm - 5:00pm

Location: Zoom


Event Description: Want to know more about our project and programs and what FSS is up to? Join in on our monthly, regular board meeting.


Join using the button below.

Join Zoom Meeting

Prep the Redwoods for Fire at the Grove of Old Trees


Date: November 2, 2024

Time: 10:00am - 2:00PM

Location: Grove of Old Trees


Event Description: You're warmly invited to lend a hand at the Grove of Old Trees! It's wildfire fuels reduction time on the preserve and also time to prep our second unit at the Grove for a thoroughly planned prescribed burn! Please come out to give your tender care to our beloved Redwoods.


Learn more and register using the button below.


Learn More

Residential Rainwater and Fire Resilience Workshop


Date: November 2, 2024

Time: 10:00am - 1:00pm

Location: At Furlong Road (Sebastopol) residence. Address will be provided upon registration.


Event Description:

This event will offer the opportunity to discuss and see residential-scale practical applications of rainwater harvesting, roofwater catchment, fire-resilient landscaping, home hardening, defensible space, and Firewise Community organizing.

Register Here


November Speaker Series



Date: November 21, 2024

Time: 2:00pm - 3:00pm

Location: Zoom


Event Description: Join Chief Ben Nicholls and Chief Scott Westrope as they cover the "hierarchy" and roles of the different fire agencies. This is will be the last Speaker Series of the year, so you don't want to miss out!


Register using the button below.

Register Here

Holiday Wreath Making



Date: December 14, 2024

Time: 9:30am or 1:00pm

Location: Pepperwood Preserve, 2130 Pepperwood Preserve Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, USA


Event Description: Get in the spirit of the season as you learn how to create a beautiful holiday wreath using local natural materials. Take what you learn from this workshop and make wreaths at home using ladder fuels from or around your property.


Learn more and register using the button below

Learn More

We update our Public Calendar with local events & happenings revolving around wildfire resiliency and preparedness. Click the button below to see what's happening in the county.

Fire Safe Sonoma Public Calendar

Opportunities & Resources


Tending the Land website is now LIVE!


Tending the Land for Fire Resilience in Sonoma County is a guide for anyone living or working in Sonoma County interested in stewarding land to achieve a variety of goals, from developing fire resilience to conserving water, enhancing wildlife habitat, and more.



Tending the Land is meant to inform and empower land stewards of all kinds, from individuals to community groups to professionals. We hope it is the first resource that land stewards reach for.

Check out the website here!

Listos Tool Trailer

Speaker Series Registration

Fire Safe Sonoma Website

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