Fire Country Flora
Native plant stewardship for fire-adapted landscapes
~ a new project by Stephania Hayes & John Lytle ~
Supporting Recovery
Where Help Is Useful
These lands have burned before, and they will burn again.Fire has long shaped Sierra foothill ecosystems, clearing some vegetation and renewing plant communities over time. Around us are oak woodlands, chaparral slopes, and open grasslands. These are living places where rural communities are also learning to live with fire.Many native ecosystems are fire-adapted and can recover on their own.
Not every burned landscape needs planting. Some places may still benefit from targeted support, especially where soil is vulnerable or native recovery is struggling.Our goal is to support careful, locally informed stewardship where help is actually useful. We will do this through education, seed sharing, small-scale propagation, and partnership.
What We’re Growing
Our project is based in Calaveras County, California. We are starting small by learning from local conservation partners, growing a modest variety of native plants to donate, and exploring ways to support neighbors who want to care for land with ecological humility.We are currently exploring:- small-scale native plant propagation
- local seed stewardship
- post-fire land care resources
- partnerships with conservation & community organizations in the Sierra foothillsWe’re especially interested in connecting with people who have experience in native plants, restoration, nonprofit development, community education, or local land stewardship.
Follow our Growing Project
Fire Country Flora is still taking root.Sign up for updates about native plants, seed stewardship, volunteer opportunities, and ways to support thoughtful land care in fire country. We will not share your information.