During the recent wildfires that ravaged the region, I received a surge of calls from residents worried about the potential for flames to take hold in the Palos Verdes area. While we all value the beauty of the Peninsula’s distinctive coastal landscape, the prolonged dry conditions understandably heightened concerns. Fortunately, recent rainfall has eased the parched terrain and alleviated some fears… for now. The devastation caused by the Pacific Palisades and Eaton fires underscores the critical need for community collaboration to safeguard lives, homes, and our cherished open spaces throughout the year.

A Community United in Action

The recent arson incidents at White Point Nature Preserve in San Pedro have sparked concern and mobilized action. Thanks to the vigilance of neighbors, these incidents are now under investigation. Two well-attended community meetings brought together key stakeholders—the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy, Councilman Tim McOsker, law enforcement, fire responders and residents—to discuss public safety challenges and solutions. This collaboration highlights the importance of community involvement in addressing and mitigating wildfire risks.

The Urgent Need for Fire Preparedness

Though the recent rains have brought some relief to the dry conditions, wildfire concerns will quickly return when weeds begin to grow this spring. It’s critical that we as a collective community stay vigilant and take proactive measures to protect our homes and neighborhoods, particularly in the urban-wildland interface Here is some helpful information, a description of fire-resilience efforts here on the Palos Verdes Peninsula and what you can do around your home to protect yourself.

Our Role in Fire-Resilient Habitat Management

As stewards of 1,700 acres of open space across the Peninsula, the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy is committed to preserving the region’s coastal beauty while fostering fire-resilient communities. Our habitat management efforts include removing invasive plants and restoring native vegetation, which helps create landscapes less prone to intense wildfires. This year alone, we aim to clear over 100 acres of invasive weeds and nonnative shrubs—key contributors to wildfire spread.

Our stewardship team collaborates with groups like the Conservation Corps of Long Beach and even enlists the help of goats to remove invasive “flash fuels” such as mustard, tumbleweed, and acacia. These plants are notorious for fueling fast-moving fires, while native species like lemonade berry and coastal sage scrub provide natural fire resistance. Since starting our habitat restoration work, we’ve cleared over 450 acres of nonnative vegetation, improving fire safety and restoring habitats for wildlife.

Native plants not only reduce fire risks but also stabilize soil, preventing erosion and mudslides. Their deep root systems allow them to thrive during droughts, maintaining ecological balance and hillside stability.

Creating Defensible Space

Defensible space is a critical component of fire safety. It refers to the area around a home that is cleared of flammable materials and vegetation, as well as the buffer zone between open land and structures. Proper management of these zones can significantly reduce the potential for flying embers to ignite a fire near structures.

The Conservancy works closely with cities on the Peninsula and the LA County Fire Department to implement annual brush clearance in the Nature Preserves provides defensible space, which extends up to 200 feet from structures. This process involves selective removal of vegetation to minimize fire risks while preventing soil erosion. We applaud landowners and cities for accomplishing this enormous undertaking each year.

Beyond these zones, we go above and beyond by managing invasive vegetation throughout the Peninsula’s open spaces. This additional effort further reduces the likelihood of intense fires spreading through the landscape while benefiting the ecological health and beauty of preserved lands.

How You Can Help

While the Conservancy is dedicated to enhancing fire resilience across the Peninsula, individual efforts are the primary way to protect property from fire. Here’s what you can do:

Create defensible space around your property by clearing dead vegetation and adopting fire-smart landscaping practices with well-spaced native plants.
Utilize resources such as:

Join our volunteer programs to help cultivate fire-resilient landscapes or support weed control initiatives by sponsoring a goat or Conservation Corps work.

Your actions—whether on your property, through volunteering, or by supporting our initiatives—make a significant difference in protecting our community and preserving the Peninsula’s natural beauty.

Looking Ahead

Wildfire “season” will soon return. Let’s remain steadfast in our commitment to safety, resilience, and ecological stewardship. Together, we can ensure the well-being of our communities and the preservation of our cherished open spaces.