West San Pedro Rehabilitation Project Planting Success

The San Rafael Fire Department is proud to announce the completion of a 1.7 acre restoration project on West San Pedro Mountain that enhances both community safety and environmental health. Working with contracted forestry crews, the Department transformed a densely overgrown area dominated by invasive Eucalyptus into a fire adapted native landscape.

The project site, located on City open space above Caltrans property between Villa Avenue and North San Pedro Road, historically posed significant wildfire risk due to high fuel loading and a high likelihood of ignition events. Restoration work, which began in late November, included the removal of hazardous invasive vegetation and the planting of nearly 100 native trees including Coast Live Oak and Toyon which are naturally adapted to our local fire regime. This strategic approach reduces wildfire threat to nearby homes while restoring vital habitat and improving the ecological health of the ridgeline.

The project represents the Fire Department's commitment to proactive wildfire prevention through vegetation management and ecosystem restoration. By replacing fire prone invasive species with resilient native plants, we're creating a landscape that is both safer for our community and healthier for local wildlife.

We invite residents and recreational users to visit this restored area during their next hike on the mountain and see firsthand how thoughtful land management can protect both people and nature.