Fire, like all forces of nature, has shaped and continues to shape the landscapes and the built environments that all Californians—two-legged, finned, feathered, and four-legged—call home. Local ecologist Monica Matthews, M.S., will unpack the history and ecology of fire in California and the way in which fire practitioners employ fire as a tool and an ally to build ecological resilience.

Matthews is the coordinator for the Santa Barbara County Prescribed Burn Association. She first came to love the land while running cattle in and around her hometown of Gilroy, California, and has since worked throughout California, the United States, and the Americas, in applied research, community organizing, habitat restoration, watershed care, ranch and farm design and management, prescribed fire and cultural fire support, and species monitoring for rare plants and wildlife. It is her hope that this work maximizes ecological and community resilience for all. In her free time, Monica enjoys connecting with friends and community over art, music, food, and a love for the lands that raised us.

No tickets or reservations needed, but note that Science Pub is a popular program. Early birds get good seats, order food and drink at leisure, and enjoy a raffle to support science education and win Museum swag. Arriving close to 6:30 may land you in an overflow room or without a seat.

This event is part of the Museum’s ongoing Science Pub series of free science talks held on the second Monday of every month. Contact Kelsey Perry at kperry@sbnature2.org for more information.

Photo by Monica Matthews