Queer Forestry and Fire Program

Next session starts in February 2026. Registration opens in early January!

Click here to read a blog post and see photos of the Fall 2025 QFFP session.

Details 

Program Description: The Queer Forestry and Fire Program is a free training course for LGBTQIA+ identifying folks from all backgrounds and experience levels to cultivate a greater understanding and skillset in basic forestry practices and hands on practice with pile and patch burning. It will be a safe space to come together to work towards restoring a forest/grassland ecosystem and return good fire to the land.

Dates: Saturdays, February 28 – April 4, 2026

Time: 9am to 4pm

Location: Ocean Song- Myers Preserve, Occidental

Cost: Free

Highlights 

  • Basic forestry skills using hand tools  
  • Discussion of Indigenous stewardship throughout Sonoma County
  • An understanding of Slow Restoration  
  • Stewardship for the promotion of ecological restoration and biodiversity  
  • Fuel reduction for wildfire mitigation and preparing a prescribed burn unit  
  • Proper tree felling, limbing up, and burn pile formation and implementation in different ecosystems  
  • Basic plant identification and ecology  
  • Grass ID and seed collection  
  • Burn pile and patch burn experience (learn more about LandPaths’  Good Fire Program here)   
  • Hands-on lessons in forestry and fire ecology  

What You’ll Need to Participate

  • You will be expected to provide your own transportation to/from Ocean Song-Myers Preserve, which is off of Coleman Valley Road in Occidental.
  • Basic gear such as boots, backpack, water bottle, lunch (some simple snacks will be provided)  
  • Plenty of water for drinking (up to one gallon a day) 
Five people stand watching as someone does a forestry demonstration. They wear hard hats and hold forestry tools and look like they are waiting for more information.
Two people stand in front of a forest of trees at Riddell Preserve. They are both smiling and wear work gloves.
A person with dark hair and a gray shirt holds a big pile of French Broom which they are carrying over to a burn pile.

All photos on this page by Miranda Carreño

Additional Helpful Info

  • Tools, gloves, cotton t-shirt for burning and snacks will be provided for the duration of the workshop  
  • This course is taught in English. 
  • Each Saturday project session will focus on a specific project site with a focus on developing skills at the site.  
  • Carpooling is encouraged and we can help support participants to arrange carpools.  

Questions?

Contact Lara O’ Herlihy at [email protected] or (707) 544-7284. Check out the FAQ sheet below for answers to commonly asked questions about the program!

FAQ

Queer Forestry and Fire Program FAQ-2Download
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