I grew up here in Humboldt County, primarily on Wiyot land in Goudi’ni (Arcata) and I’m grateful for the opportunity to be back studying legacy hardwood mortality following low intensity Rx fire with the Humboldt Fire Lab. I have generally been drawn to intersections of the natural sciences and community wellness, which has motivated my involvement in various food sovereignty initiatives, environmental justice and Tribal youth projects, and community-based ecological restoration and research. In recent years I have been fortunate to live and work on Karuk lands, where I’ve been inspired by Tribal community efforts for restored fire sovereignty and eco-cultural revitalization. I have participated in Klamath River TREX since 2014, most recently as Fire Effects Monitor, and have observed legacy oak and madrone mortality first-hand after our burns. I am hopeful that this research investigation might be a resource for community stewardship of these valued cultural resources.