Douglas Kent, an ecological land management expert, author and firescaping specialist, will speak on wildfire-resilient and sustainable landscaping during the Orinda Garden Club’s community meeting on March 26 at the Orinda Library Auditorium.
The Orinda Garden Club will spotlight wildfire resilience and sustainable landscaping at its annual March community meeting at the Orinda Library Auditorium, and will feature ecological land management expert and author Douglas Kent.
Kent, who lives in the City of Orange in Southern California, brings more than four decades of experience working in California landscapes shaped by drought, fire and climate extremes. An author, activist and educator, his March 26 presentation will focus on firescaping – a landscaping approach designed to reduce wildfire risk while maintaining attractive, livable outdoor spaces.
Principal of Douglas Kent + Associates and a former adjunct professor at the John Lyle Center for Regenerative Studies at Cal Poly Pomona, Kent’s work has been featured in publications nationwide, and he is the author of several books, including “Firescaping: Protecting Your Home with a Fire-Resistant Landscape.”.
“After 17 years I stopped working at the Lyle Center. While I still teach at Cal Poly Pomona, most of my work is at USC, Architecture+Urbanism and UCLA Extension Horticulture/Landscape Design,” he said.
Kaija Gibbs, the Orinda Garden Club’s program co-chair, said Kent brings both practical and academic expertise to a topic that has become increasingly urgent for Orinda residents.
“Kent has been working in California’s landscapes for over 40 years, and his designs and projects have been featured in publications across the nation,” Gibbs said. He has also taught land management courses at Cal Poly Pomona.
Wildfire risk has become a persistent concern across California, including in Contra Costa County. Recent destructive fires throughout the state have heightened awareness among homeowners about how landscaping choices can affect a home’s vulnerability.
For homeowners who feel overwhelmed by where to begin, Kent emphasizes starting close to home.
“If you’re unsure where to start, always start with your house,” he said. “The most advantageous priority is a fire-hardened structure.”
According to Kent, most homes lost in wildfires are ignited by firebrands – wind-driven embers – rather than direct contact with flames. Clearing flammable materials immediately around the structure is critical.
“With just five feet of defensible space, a fire-hardened structure has about a 70% chance of survival,” he added.
After addressing the immediate area around the home, Kent recommends homeowners take a closer look at large landscape features that can pose significant fire risk.
“Big-fuel objects like shade structures and fences burn hotter and longer than typical plants,” he said. “They often pose a greater risk than green-leafed trees.”
Firescaping focuses on plant selection, spacing, irrigation and ongoing maintenance practices that reduce flammable material near homes while preserving the beauty and ecological value of gardens. Techniques can include replacing highly combustible plants, creating defensible space zones and designing landscapes that slow the spread of fire.
Kent said climate change is reshaping how Californians must think about landscaping and wildfire preparedness – even in communities that historically viewed fire as a seasonal concern.
“Climate change is making the West Coast more fertile for fire,” he said. “The number of red-flag days – those hot, dry and gusty days – is increasing, and landscapes are drying earlier in the season.”
As an example, Kent pointed to Southern California’s destructive fires in 2025, which occurred in January – statistically, he said, the wettest month of the year.
“That’s a testament to the perils of our warming world,” he said.
Gibbs said the March meeting aligns with the Orinda Garden Club’s broader mission of community education and service.
“As part of our community service goal, we host a community meeting where we present a speaker we feel addresses a topic of interest or importance to our community,” Gibbs said. “With firewise gardening becoming an important aspect of homeownership in this area, we wanted an expert who could speak to both safety and sustainability.”
Beyond immediate wildfire protection, organizers said many firescaping principles also support long-term environmental health. Climate-appropriate plants, efficient water use and thoughtful landscape design can reduce risk while promoting resilient, attractive outdoor spaces.
Organizers hope the event will draw not only gardeners, but also homeowners, renters and anyone interested in wildfire preparedness.
Kent and the organizers feel that as climate change contributes to longer fire seasons and more extreme fire behavior across the West, local education efforts have taken on increased importance. For Orinda residents, the message is timely: thoughtful landscaping can play a meaningful role in home safety.
Orinda City Manager Linda Smith will also attend and present a brief State of Orinda.
“Come and hear from an expert,” Gibbs said, pointing to Kent’s decades of experience and leadership in the field. “The event promises to be an informative and engaging morning.”
The March 26 event (from 10 to 11:30 a.m.) at the Orinda Library Auditorium is free, though donations are accepted. Seating is limited, and registration is required at orindagc.org/community-events.
