The UC Master Gardener volunteers of Contra Costa County are excited to announce an upcoming Firewise Demonstration Garden at the Moraga-Orinda Fire District (MOFD) Station 42 on Moraga Road. This project will showcase practical, attractive landscaping strategies that reduce wildfire risk—especially the often-misunderstood Zone Zero, the critical five feet closest to a home or structure.
The idea began with MOFD Director and Master Gardener volunteer Steve Danziger, who envisioned a living example of fire-resistant design for the community. At the August 20 MOFD Board meeting, Anna Wendorf (Landscape Designer and Master Gardener volunteer) and Dawn Kooyumjian (Master Gardener volunteer co-ordinator for Contra Costa County) presented the concept and a preliminary garden plan. The board enthusiastically approved the project and re-allocated previously earmarked funds of $5,000 to support its installation.
Planting is scheduled to begin in October, an ideal season for establishing new landscapes. Anna Wendorf describes the garden as “a great opportunity to demonstrate the Zone Zero, which everyone is really curious about.”
The design will feature:
- A five-foot non-combustible buffer along the station’s front wall.
- Demonstration islands of low-fuel, fire-resistant plants—including California natives and Mediterranean species.
- Educational signage so visitors can learn how each practice contributes to fire safety.
- Sample fire-safe fencing and pathways leading into the redwoods, complete with inviting seating areas.
The team hopes to incorporate donated materials such as fire-resistant fencing, gravel, and stone. Local Master Gardener volunteers from Lamorinda, along with community partners like the Rotary and local garden clubs, are already pledging support.
As Vice President Craig Jorgens noted when the board voted unanimously to move forward, “We’re excited to see how this project can make our communities fire-safe and beautiful at the same time.”
Stay tuned for volunteer opportunities as we bring this inspiring garden to life—and help neighbors throughout Contra Costa County see how Firewise principles can be both practical and beautiful.
Are you inspired to help bring the Firewise Demonstration Garden to life?
Join us by volunteering—just email Steve Danziger at danzi26@yahoo.com to get involved and receive updates. Donations of fire-resistant materials such as gravel, stone, plants, fencing, or even funds are also welcome to help the garden flourish. And once it’s planted, spread the word and invite your neighbors to visit and discover how to create their own beautiful, fire-safe landscapes.
Photo courtesy of Hedwig Van Den Broeck
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