A new photography exhibit opening January 13 at the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area visitor center at King Gillette Ranch will focus on fire ecology.
“Following a devastating fire, the recovery process begins,” a press release for the exhibit states. “This process can include plants, referred to as “Fire Followers,” that are rarely ever seen except in the aftermath of a fire. In this photo exhibition visitors will observe the raw and heartbreaking side of fire, the rare fire followers, and the regrowth and transformation of fire recovery.”
This group show features more than 70 photographs of the aftermath of fire. The focus of the show is the nature recovery processes as experienced and documented by a wide range of observers.
Two fire ecology talks are scheduled in conjunction with the show.
On January 25, from 1-2 p.m., author and Messenger Mountain News Associate Editor Suzanne Guldimann will give a presentation on her experiences chronicling the Woolsey Fire recovery over the past year.
Guldimann, who lives in the burn zone, has documented aspects of the Woolsey Fire for the Messenger and other local media, in more than 10,000 photos and a hundred articles, and in her book Life in Malibu.
Her presentation, entitled “Life in the Burn Zone,” is a first person perspective on the metamorphosis of a canyon near her home, transformed by fire and rain from a desolate wasteland into an ephemeral Eden that has flowered and set seed over the course of a single year.
Following Guldimann’s presentation, the City of Malibu will be present to provide a brief program.
On February 21, from 10-11 a.m., National Park Service fire ecologist Marti Witter will discuss the science of wildfire recovery as part of the monthly coffee with a scientist program at the visitor center.
Both events are free with free parking. The exhibit runs through February 21 and is open daily. The Santa Monica Mountains Interagency Visitor Center is located at 26876 Mulholland Highway, at the corner of Las Virgenes Road, in Calabasas, 26876.
For more information, visit https://wnpa.org