Frederique Lavoipierre

Frédérique Lavoipierre is a freelance nature and garden writer living in Sebastopol. Her work has appeared in Pacific Horticulture, Kitchen Garden, the San Francisco Chronicle, and the Santa Rosa Press Democrat.

Watch Your Step

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Since 2000, sudden oak death has spread through 14 California counties, including all nine in the Bay Area, threatening our signature oak woodlands. Though rain, wind, and fog have caused much of that spread, some of the blame likely lies with those of us who venture into the woods for business or pleasure: The disease can move on infected plants and firewood, and on the muddy shoes and bicycle tires of recreational trail users.