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Chico State
Chico State

Park Fire

A student poses with camera in hand, with the Big Chico Creek watershed fanning out behind him.

Chasing Fire and Rain, Geography Student Builds Career Documenting Natural Disasters  

Michael Steinberg, a Chico State geography student and storm chaser, combines his passion for weather with his academic knowledge to document and raise awareness about major natural disasters, including the recent Park Fire, through powerful photography and real-time reporting.

An aerial photo shows a muddy creek in a heavily scorched canyon.

Chico State’s Ecological Reserve Calls for Action after Park Fire as Big Chico Creek Turns Brown from Sediment

The Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve is partnering with other agencies to slow water and reduce sediment flow in anticipation of winter rain.

Sunshine breaks through the tops of trees over a ranch-style setting.

Chico State’s Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve Severely Impacted by Park Fire

The Park Fire that began in Chico and continues its reach across the North State burned across the majority of the BCCER, scorching the landscape and destroying the reserve’s headquarters and most of its existing infrastructure.