Events › Firescaping the Garden with UC Master Gardeners

Are You Ready for Wildfire Season?

Wildfires are a natural part of California’s landscape, shaping ecosystems in powerful ways. But for fire-prone communities, they’ve also become increasingly catastrophic. With expanding urban development near wildlands and extreme weather fueling more intense fires, recent years have shattered records for destruction.

The threat is real—but so are the steps you can take to protect your home and community. Join us for an eye-opening discussion on practical strategies to reduce wildfire risk. Learn how to harden your home, design stunning yet fire wise landscapes, and make smart choices in plant selection and maintenance. Your preparation today could make all the difference tomorrow!

Hedwig Van Den Broeck has been a dedicated Master Gardener since 2019, combining her lifelong passion for natural gardening with a deep commitment to community education. As the editor of News to Grow By, she brings engaging and informative content to fellow gardeners. She previously served on the UC Master Gardeners of Contra Costa Executive Committee and has contributed countless volunteer hours to improving their website.

Her Belgian mother nurtured Hedwig’s love for gardening, which became a constant source of joy and sanctuary throughout her career as a computer programmer. Moving frequently for work, she found that her garden was always a place to relax and recharge. After retiring and settling in the Bay Area in 2012, she finally achieved her dream of becoming a Master Gardener.

Concerned by the growing threat of wildfires in California, Hedwig has made Firescaping—creating fire-resistant landscapes—a key focus of her work. She played a contributing role in drafting the revised Contra Costa Wildfire Plan with the Diablo Fire Safe Council and has authored multiple articles on Firescaping for both internal and external Master Gardener publications. Through her work, she continues to empower communities with knowledge and strategies to protect their homes and landscapes from wildfire risks.

Registration is NOT required, but if you do register you will receive an email reminder.