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In this presentation, Lenya Quinn-Davidson will talk about the role of fire in California ecosystems, and the importance of restoring fire—as natural a process as rain, snow, and sunshine in these fire-adapted and fire-dependent landscapes. She will talk about the grassroots social movement around beneficial fire—including both prescribed fire and cultural burning—and the policy change, community organizing, and partnerships that have led to monumental change across California in the last 5 years. She will also talk about the Women-in-Fire Training Exchange (WTREX) program, which aims to diversify the fire workforce and create a more supportive, innovative fire culture, both in California and throughout the US and the world. Lenya will share ways for people to get involved in this work, whether locally by joining their local Prescribed Burn Association, or nationally/internationally, by attending a WTREX event. Lenya’s work aims to break down barriers—social, political, and ecological—using fire to reconnect people to place, and to each other.

Lenya Quinn-Davidson is the Fire Network Director for the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, where she leads a statewide team working on various facets of fire resiliency, from wildland fire management and the built environment to workforce development and community capacity. Over the last 15 years, Lenya’s work has focused in large part on the human connection with fire, and increasing the resiliency of California’s landscapes and communities. Lenya has worked at various scales, including locally with private landowners and community members; at the state level, where she collaborates on policy, research, and training; and nationally/internationally, through her leadership on the Women-in-Fire Training Exchange (WTREX) Program. Lenya is passionate about using fire to inspire and empower people, from ranchers and scientists to agency leaders and young women, and everyone in between.