As Southern Oregon contends with some of the highest fire risks in the U.S., homeowners are seeking innovative ways to protect their properties from catastrophic wildfire damage. On Sacred Ground Land Trust, in collaboration with the Spiral Living Center, is offering two workshops in Cave Junction this May designed to help property owners create hydrated landscapes that serve as a defense against wildfires.
These workshops, scheduled for May 17th and May 18th, 2025, will teach participants how to utilize waterscaping techniques, such as ponds, swales, and rainwater collection systems, to create wildfire-defensible spaces. The focus will be on hands-on learning, with a combination of classroom sessions and practical, on-site demonstrations. Attendees will see real-world applications of these techniques, which can significantly reduce the risk of wildfire damage by improving landscape hydration and increasing fire-resilience.
The workshops are open to homeowners, renters, realtors, government employees, farmers, and landscaping professionals, making it an inclusive opportunity for anyone interested in enhancing wildfire prevention efforts in their community. While each workshop can be attended individually, the two sessions are complementary and provide a thorough exploration of the potential benefits of water-based landscape design in fire defense.
Led by certified permaculture designers and experts in land management, the workshops will focus on practical strategies for creating and maintaining hydrated landscapes. Participants will learn how to design and implement effective features, including ponds, swales, and garden elements, to minimize the impact of wildfires. Each session is designed to provide the knowledge and tools needed to incorporate these techniques into participants’ own properties. Additionally, attendees will receive take-home resources to assist in the implementation of their projects.
The event is funded in part by a grant from the Pacific Power Foundation, and all proceeds will support the non-profit efforts of On Sacred Ground Land Trust and Spiral Living Center. On Sacred Ground Land Trust, a Washington-based 501(c)(3) organization, works to foster a deep connection to nature through ecological restoration and the development of resilient landscapes. The organization’s initiatives focus on endangered species, ecological justice, and sustainable land practices. Founded in 2012, On Sacred Ground has been a leader in helping landowners design wildfire-resilient properties.
The Spiral Living Center, also a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is dedicated to promoting sustainable living by offering resources and education aimed at building self-sufficiency within rural communities. Their programs focus on food security, rural skills education, and fostering stronger connections to land, self, and community.
Both organizations share a common goal: to help people develop sustainable, healthy living practices that contribute to a biodiverse, harmonious relationship with the environment. The workshops represent a practical and proactive step towards creating safer, more resilient communities in Southern Oregon, where wildfire risks are ever-present.
To register for the workshops, visit the official On Sacred Ground Land Trust website at https://www.onsacredgroundlandtrust.org/landscape-hydrationwildfire-defense.html.
For more information, contact Sarah Hanson, Executive Director of On Sacred Ground Land Trust, at sarah@onsacredgroundlandtrust.org or call 425-698-9817.