Master Gardener Advanced Training

Every year, hundreds to thousands of wildfires occur in each southern state. Conditions that increase wildfire risk, like drought, are expected to become more common in years to come. Homeowners and communities most at risk to wildfire live in the boundary between natural areas, or wildlands, and human development. These areas are known as the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI). Fortunately, there are actions WUI homeowners and communities can make to protect their homes from wildfire, such as firescaping.

Fire-resistant landscaping, or firescaping, is a landscape design that reduces the vulnerability of a home and property to wildfire. The Preparing for Wildfires with Firescaping Master Gardener (MG) advanced training teaches MGs why and how to create a firescape. With this training, MGs will gain knowledge to aid in reducing their own home’s risk, as well as to educate their communities about the importance of firescaping.

In this training, MGs will learn about:

• Wildland fire history and behavior
• Home wildfire risk factors
• Plant flammability
• Firescape design and maintenance
• Firescaping combined with other landscape goals