Residents are invited to a free discussion Oct. 17 on the effects of wildfires on open spaces in Santa Clarita.

The event will take place from 6:00 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. at the Canyon Country Jo Anne Darcy Library.

Kristina Jacob from the city of Santa Clarita’s Recreation, Community Services, Arts and Open Space Department will be in attendance to take questions.

The Canyon Country Jo Anne Darcy Library is located at 18601 Soledad Canyon Road.

Nestled near the heart of the Newhall community, at 95-acre, is Wildwood Canyon Open Space. It is a hidden gem within the southern Santa Clarita Valley.

In June of 2015, the “Calgrove Fire” burned this area, temporarily closing the trails. Although no longer sprinkled with as many oak trees, the steep ravines offer trails with moderate grades up to a ridge that provides a commanding view of the SCV.

Wildwood Canyon Open Space has been part of the City’s ongoing effort since 2011 to create a greenbelt around Santa Clarita, preserve open space and oak woodlands, and connect to existing wildlife corridors. In the future, Wildwood Canyon Open Space will provide access to the Coast to Crest Trail through the Santa Clarita Valley.

Kristina Jacob is also a talented photographer and her photography exhibit “Wildwood Canyon: The Resilience of Nature,” captures the natural phenomenon of fire and its impact on open space and native species that inhabit the area. The exhibit is on display through Jan. 24, 2018 at the Canyon Country Jo Anne Darcy Library.

For more information regarding the discussion and the photography exhibit, please contact Jeff Barber at jbarber@santa-clarita.com.

For information regarding all City art happenings, please visit SantaClaritaArts.com.