Free live lecture, Zoom webinar, and book-signing with Obi Kaufmann
Anyone who loves the richness of California’s biogeography and spends time outdoors is aware of and grapples with the dilemma of addressing wildfire, the destroyer—and wildfire, the regenerative force in the landscape. In his talk, Obi Kaufmann will explore the current state of affairs in our fire-prone, yet fire-dependent Central Coast ecosystem. Touching on themes in one of his most popular books, published in 2024, “The State of Fire; Why California Burns,” this talk should be insightful and timely. From publisher Heyday Books, “Obi Kaufmann delves into the history, science, and future of fire ecology. With Kaufmann’s signature artistry and deep research this book looks at some of the most devastating fires of modern history and also the many ways that our ecosystem benefits from fire. It’s an ultimately hopeful book…”
Obi Kaufmann is an award-winning author of six best-selling books on California’s ecology, biodiversity, and geography. Most famously, his 2017 book, “The California Field Atlas,” re-examines popular ideas about what he calls “California’s more-than-human world.” He has published four additional popular books, including, “The Deserts of California,” and others on California water, forests, and coasts. “Deserts,” the most recent field atlas, won the 2024 Book Award for California Lifestyle from the California Booksellers Association. Well known for his stunning watercolor illustrations, Obi was a 2025 featured artist for the National Gallery of Art in Yosemite and the artist-in-residence for the National Park Service. Obi regularly travels throughout the state, presenting his work and vision for ecological defense and reciprocity to many groups, including the Santa Ynez Valley Natural History Society. A lifelong resident of California, when he isn’t backpacking, Obi Kaufmann makes his home base in Oakland.
How to Register
Event date: Friday, March 27, 2026, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Live lecture location: UC Sedgwick Reserve, Tipton House
Limited to 50 participants
Registration opens at 9:00 a.m. on February 27 for members and March 17 for nonmembers at syvnhs@syvnature.org or 805/693-5683.
Zoom: Register for the Zoom webinar here: The Place for Fire.
A book signing and light refreshments follow the presentation.
The presentation recording will be posted online after the event.
