Sonoma Ecology Center Awarded $200,000 Grant for Wildfire Prevention

Funds will be used for large-scale vegetation treatment in the Sonoma Springs area.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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The Sonoma Ecology Center has been awarded a $200,000 grant from the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors as part of a larger $1.51 million funding package for wildfire prevention projects across the county. The center plans to use the funds for large-scale vegetation treatment above the Sonoma Springs area to help create a community buffer zone against potential wildfires.

Why it matters

The Sonoma Valley has been heavily impacted by wildfires in recent years, including the 2017 Sonoma Complex fires that destroyed structures and burned through many parks and protected lands. This grant funding will help the Sonoma Ecology Center and its partners take proactive steps to improve fire resilience and protect the local community.

The details

The Sonoma Ecology Center and the Sonoma Valley Fire District have recognized the need for fire resilience work above the Sonoma Springs area for years, but have faced challenges in lining up the necessary permits and funding. This $200,000 grant will allow them to kickstart the large-scale vegetation treatment project to create a buffer zone against potential wildfires.

  • On January 27, 2026, the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors approved the $1.51 million allocation for 10 wildfire prevention projects across the county.
  • In December 2025, the Sonoma Ecology Center applied for the grant funding.

The players

Sonoma Ecology Center

A local environmental organization that focuses on protecting and restoring natural habitats in the Sonoma Valley.

Sonoma County Board of Supervisors

The governing body of Sonoma County, California that approved the $1.51 million in grant funding for wildfire prevention projects.

Bryn Miller

Environmental planner at the Sonoma Ecology Center.

Rebecca Hermosillo

Chair of the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors.

Sonoma Valley Fire District

The local fire department that has partnered with the Sonoma Ecology Center on fire resilience efforts in the Sonoma Springs area.

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What they’re saying

“The Sonoma Ecology Center and the Sonoma Valley Fire District 'and our partners have recognized the need for fire resilience work above the Springs for years, but it's been hard to line up the permits and funding to make it happen.”

— Bryn Miller, Environmental planner, Sonoma Ecology Center (sonomanews.com)

“It is really exciting to receive a $200,000 grant from the county to kickstart this work. After this initial investment, we'll be well-positioned to apply for large grant programs to get fire resilience work done across the project area.”

— Bryn Miller, Environmental planner, Sonoma Ecology Center (sonomanews.com)

“Thoughtful investments and strong partnerships can reduce the growing threat posed by wildfires.”

— Rebecca Hermosillo, Chair, Sonoma County Board of Supervisors (sonomanews.com)

What’s next

The Sonoma Ecology Center plans to use the $200,000 grant to begin the large-scale vegetation treatment project in the Sonoma Springs area, which will help create a community buffer zone against potential wildfires. After this initial investment, the center will be well-positioned to apply for additional grant funding to expand the fire resilience work across the broader project area.

The takeaway

This grant funding represents a significant investment by Sonoma County in proactive wildfire prevention efforts, which will be critical for protecting the Sonoma Valley community from the growing threat of wildfires. By partnering with local organizations like the Sonoma Ecology Center, the county is demonstrating a commitment to thoughtful, collaborative approaches to reducing wildfire risk.