Fire, Forests, and Conservation: Lessons from Yosemite with Garrett Dickman

For thousands of years, fire has shaped the landscapes of places like Yosemite National Park. But in a world of rising temperatures and longer fire seasons, understanding fire as a natural force is more important than ever.

In this episode, Zach and Clare journey to Yosemite to meet Garrett Dickman, a forest ecologist dedicated to protecting giant sequoias, restoring ecosystems, and rethinking how we manage fire. They explore how Indigenous fire management practices have long helped maintain biodiversity, how invasive plants make wildfires more destructive, and what’s being done to safeguard these ancient trees from threats like drought and pests.

You’ll discover why fire isn’t just a force of destruction, but a necessary part of healthy forests, how restoration efforts helped save the famous Mariposa Grove of giant sequoias, and why even small actions—like learning, playing and exploring—help shape a more resilient future.

Episode Highlights:

• Why fire is a natural and necessary part of forests (02:18)
• Meet Garrett Dickman, a forest ecologist in Yosemite (02:23)
• The hidden threat of invasive plants (04:45)
• How Indigenous fire practices help protect the land (08:13)
• Saving giant sequoias: The Mariposa Grove story (12:28)
• The impact of drought and pests on sequoias (20:15)
• How kids can take action, even in small ways (23:06)

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