Ex-MMWD Watershed Manager Dives Into Marin’s Wildfire History with ‘Fire on the Mountain’ – Oct. 8

For the past several years and likely long before that, none of us have needed any additional reminders about the climate change-propelled impacts of wildfire in the North Bay and throughout California.

In an effort to keep the conversation going, the Mill Valley Historical Society and the Mill Valley Public Library are reviving their ongoing event series collaboration with “Fire on the Mountain,” a discussion on “the pre-history, history and the future of wildfire in Marin.

The event, set for Thursday, Oct. 8 at 7pm via Zoom, centers on the deep knowledge base of Mike Swezy, a fire ecologist and the former longtime Watershed Manager of the Marin Municipal Water District. 

In a conversation with MVHS board member Debra Schwartz, Swezy will delve into the history of fire and what we can do locally to take preventative measures to protect our homes and surroundings. ​Starting with time before humans and working his way to the present, Swezy will examine the role of fire and how it has been used in society. Swezy and Schwartz will explore such topics as how indigenous people of Marin used fire, the wildfires that presently affect us and the role of climate change in wildfire dynamics.

The event is part of the organizations’ ongoing First Wednesday program – but with a shift to Thursday to accommodate the vice presidential debate.

Swezy has served with organizations including Marin Conservation Corps (now Conservation Corp North Bay), the US Forest Service and California State Parks. In 2014, he was awarded Marin Conservation League’s Green Award for Environmental Leadership for efforts to create the Tamalpais Lands Collaborative. He served on FIRESafe Marin’s Board of Directors for 10 years and now serves on the Boards of the Marin Conservation League and Friends of Corte Madera Creek Watershed.

MORE INFO & REGISTER. Registrants will be sent a Zoom Link with registration confirmation.

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