Chaparrel

In the center of this photograph are homes in our neighborhood. The rolling, woody landscape has been singled out for the fire risk that California homes face.  It's not that simple. Life in the golden state is a delicate balance. Heat, wind, lack of rain, natural landscapes and the states deteriorating electrical infrastructure all play a role in fire risk. 

Chaparral defines California as a place. It is our native landscape. It provides essential protection against erosion, allows underground water supplies to recharge, moderates local climates, and provides important habitat for animals.  As technology and city-centered lifestyles continue to create greater distances between us and the natural world, chaparral provides a way for Californians to connect with nature.