THE GORGE — Learn practical, fire-wise landscaping strategies at this informative community workshop focused on reducing wildfire risk around the home.
Participants will learn how to:
• Understand fire behavior and strategies for minimizing risk
• Explore the basics of the Home Ignition Zone (HIZ)
• Identify fire hazards and safer alternatives around the home
• Recognize what makes plants fire-prone or fire-resistant
• Implement practical wildfire preparedness strategies in their own landscapes
Attendees will receive a copy of the new Oregon State University publication, Fire-Resistant Plants for the Home Landscape, along with additional resources on wildfire preparedness and creating defensible space.
The workshop will be presented by Andy Dwyer, Fire Risk Reduction Specialist with the Oregon State Fire Marshal, and Megan Wickersham, Outreach Program Coordinator and Community Horticulturist with Oregon State University Extension Service.
Two sessions of the Garden Gathering Firewise presentation will be offered. Both sessions will cover the same material.
Workshop dates and locations
Tuesday, June 9 — 6:30 p.m., White Salmon Valley Community Library, 77 NE Wauna Ave.
Saturday, June 13, 10 a.m., OSU Hood River County Extension, 2990 Experiment Station Drive
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The Central Gorge Master Gardener Association welcomes home gardeners of all abilities to attend the Garden Gathering series of monthly educational workshops. These free presentations, held March through October, are designed to be interactive and support gardeners at every experience level. Upcoming 2026 Garden Gathering workshop topics include food preservation, plant propagation, marigolds, marigold wreath and garland making, and more.
Learn more about upcoming workshops at Central Gorge Master Gardener Association and follow the group on Facebook and Instagram at @centralgorgemastergardeners. Workshops are also featured in the Columbia Gorge News print and online editions.
The Central Gorge Master Gardener Association is a nonprofit educational organization that supports the Oregon State University Master Gardener Program and provides additional gardening education opportunities throughout the year.
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