A new Firewise Demonstration Garden is taking shape at Fire Station 42 (across from Rheem Shopping Center on Moraga Rd), a collaborative effort between the Moraga-Orinda Fire District (MOFD) and the University of California Master Gardeners of Contra Costa County. The project is designed to help residents better understand how thoughtful landscaping choices can significantly reduce wildfire risk while still creating beautiful, functional outdoor spaces.

The garden will serve as a living classroom for the community, showcasing Firewise landscaping principles in a real-world setting. Visitors will be able to see examples of defensible space zones, fire-resistant plant selections, and smart irrigation practices that conserve water while supporting healthy, low-risk vegetation.

Unlike traditional landscaping displays that focus primarily on aesthetics, this garden emphasizes resilience. Plants are being selected based on their low flammability, high moisture retention, and ability to slow the spread of fire. Spacing between plantings, careful layering of vegetation, and the strategic use of hardscape elements such as gravel pathways and stone borders are all part of the design.

MOFD personnel emphasize that the goal is not to eliminate vegetation, but to manage it intelligently. By reducing fuel loads near structures and maintaining clear separation between plant groupings (Mediterranean and native), homeowners can dramatically increase the chances of structure survival during a wildfire event.

The UC Master Gardeners are contributing their horticultural expertise, ensuring that the garden remains both educational and ecologically sound. Their involvement also helps highlight drought-tolerant planting strategies that align with California’s long-term climate realities.

Once completed, the Firewise Demonstration Garden will be used for community workshops, guided tours, and educational signage. Residents will be able to learn practical, transferable strategies they can apply directly to their own homes - whether they live in hillside neighborhoods, suburban developments, or rural edges of wildland areas.

As wildfire seasons grow longer and more intense across California, projects like this represent a proactive approach to community safety. The Firewise garden at Station 42 stands as both a teaching tool and a reminder that preparedness can begin right at home, one thoughtful planting decision at a time.