Prescribed Burns

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Prescribed burns, also known as controlled burns, are planned and intentionally set fires managed by trained professionals to reduce excess vegetation, such as dry grass, shrubs, and trees, that could fuel larger wildfires. These burns are conducted under specific weather conditions to ensure safety and effectiveness.

In a wildland-urban interface (WUI) community, prescribed burns help mitigate wildfire risk by reducing fuel loads around homes and infrastructure. This can create defensible spaces, lower the intensity of potential wildfires, and improve overall fire resilience. Prescribed burns also promote ecosystem health by helping regenerate native plants and maintaining biodiversity. By strategically managing fire risk, prescribed burns are a proactive tool for protecting both natural and human communities.

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Aftermath of Controlled Burn at Jasper Ridge

Aftermath of the Controlled Burn at Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve

In March 2024, Stanford’s Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve conducted its first controlled burn in over 50 years as part of a wildfire management plan. While the event initially raised concerns from nearby residents, the results have shown how intentional burns can benefit the environment and the surrounding community while honoring Indigenous knowledge.

What Happened?

Led by "burn boss" Phil Dye and stewardship scientist Sheena Sidhu, about 200 piles of woody debris were safely burned to reduce wildfire fuel. The Muwekma Ohlone Tribe played a vital role, with Tribal Chairwoman Charlene Nijmeh leading prayers in the Chochenyo language. Their involvement reflected the cultural importance of the land and the deep connection between Indigenous practices and ecological health.

What Were the Results?

Following the burn, researchers documented the resurgence of native chaparral plants, including yerba santa, pitcher sage, and the rare western bewildering bushmallow. This plant, which only grows in the Bay Area, relies on fire to germinate and had been dormant in the soil for decades. Its unexpected return highlights the power of controlled burns to restore ecosystems that evolved with fire.

Why This Matters

Wildfire Risk Reduction: Removing excess vegetation decreases the risk of severe wildfires, making the area safer for both the preserve and nearby neighborhoods.

Healthy Ecosystems: Controlled burns support native plant growth and reduce invasive species, helping preserve biodiversity.

Collaborative Stewardship: By integrating Indigenous and scientific knowledge, this burn demonstrated the success of the "two-eyed seeing" approach, which combines traditional ecological wisdom with modern science.

A Bigger Commitment to “Two-Eyed Seeing”

The controlled burn reflects Jasper Ridge’s ongoing commitment to "two-eyed seeing," an approach that values the strengths of both Indigenous and Western perspectives in managing land. This philosophy ensures stewardship practices respect cultural heritage while addressing modern environmental challenges.

In recognition of this deeper collaboration, the preserve was renamed Ootchamin 'Ooyakma in the Chochenyo language, further embedding the values of partnership and shared responsibility into its identity. The preserve aims to expand this approach, using controlled burns and other practices to heal ecosystems and foster a model for sustainable land management.

How Residents and Visitors Can Engage

Explore the Preserve: Jasper Ridge is open to the public for guided tours, offering opportunities to learn about its unique ecosystems and the importance of fire in maintaining them.

Stay Informed: Residents are encouraged to follow updates about wildfire management efforts and ecological programs.

Support Collaborative Stewardship: Engage with initiatives that blend Indigenous practices and science to ensure a resilient future for the region.

The controlled burn at Jasper Ridge not only restored native ecosystems but also strengthened the connection between people and the land through shared stewardship. It is a powerful example of how working together with respect and intention can address modern challenges while honoring the past.