WHITEBARK INSTITUTE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 9, 2026

Contact: Crystal Medhurst [email protected]

4th Annual Eastern Sierra Wildfire Resilience Month builds momentum

Wildfire Resilience Month turns awareness into action and encourages communities to work together for wildfire preparedness.

This May, Whitebark Institute, Mono, and Inyo Counties will host a series of events designed to provide accessible education, resources, and community engagement opportunities that support long-term wildfire resilience across the region. Throughout the month, residents and visitors are invited to participate in expert-led presentations and wildfire preparedness workshops that highlight practical steps for reducing risk at home and in the broader landscape. These events will cover topics ranging from creating defensible space and responsible recreation practices to the important role individuals and communities play in living within fire-adapted environments.

Now in its fourth year, Wildfire Resilience Month is an ongoing collaboration of Whitebark Institute, Mono and Inyo Counties, local agencies, and community-based organizations working together to reduce wildfire risk.

SCHEDULE OF REGIONAL EVENTS

May 3 10:00am-2pm SIERRA SPARK! REGIONAL WILDFIRE READY FESTIVAL Location: Bishop City Park Live music & food trucks. Free green waste disposal onsite. Workshops & exhibits. Resources & demonstrations. Interactive kids zone. Participation incentive prizes.

May 7 6:00-8pm REESTABLISHING SILVICULTURAL ACTION IN FIRE ADAPTED FORESTS Location: Mountain Rambler Brewery, Bishop Sarah M. Bisbing, PhD, Forest Ecosystem Science Whitebark Institute – Science on Tap Speaker Series

May 28 5:30-6:30pm THE WILDFIRE LABORATORY – SCIENCE THAT REDUCES IGNITION RISK Online: Whitebark Institute Webinar – Link at Event Website Steve Hawks, Senior Director for Wildfire Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety Research Center

Community-specific events will be listed at the event website. Additional information, event details, and resources for wildfire preparedness can be found at whitebarkinstitute.org/events.

THANKS TO FUNDERS Funding for Wildfire Resilience Month is provided in part by Edison International, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, the California Firesafe Council, and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection as part of the California Climate Investments Program.

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California Climate Investments is a statewide program that puts billions of Cap-and-Invest dollars to work reducing GHG emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment — particularly in disadvantaged communities. The Cap-and-Trade program also creates a financial incentive for industries to invest in clean technologies and develop innovative ways to reduce pollution. California Climate Investments projects include affordable housing, renewable energy, public transportation, zero-emission vehicles, environmental restoration, more sustainable agriculture, recycling, and much more. At least 35 percent of these investments are located within and benefiting residents of disadvantaged communities, low-income communities, and low-income households across California. For more information, visit the California Climate Investments website at: www.caclimateinvestments.ca.gov.

ABOUT WHITEBARK INSTITUTE Whitebark Institute is a non-profit organization dedicated to reducing wildfire risk and improving the resilience of Eastern Sierra forests, landscapes, and communities. We leverage scientific expertise, convene partners and experts, and take decisive action to address regional challenges. Learn more at: WhitebarkInstitute.org