Help With Defensible Space Work In The Mother Lode

Published Apr 4, 2026 7:45 am

Volunteer helping rake leaves with the Area 12 Agency on Aging Chore Program—Agency photo

Sonora, CA—This weekend’s warm weather is ideal for working on your home’s defensible space as fire season approaches; however, for some, that is not an option due to cost or physical ailments, but help is available.

The Area 12 Agency on Aging Chore Program will hire local landscaper vendors to do the weeding and raking work while maintaining safety within 30 feet of a house. The local vendors are licensed, insured, and bonded to provide the services. The services are currently offered in Tuolumne, Calaveras, and Mariposa. To be eligible, you must be 60 years old or older, on a limited income, and have a medical condition that does not allow for physical chores outside.

Priority is given to those who are frail, elderly (age 75+), isolated, and with the greatest economic and social needs. Eligibility is based solely on those criteria, which are determined through the screening and assessment process and program requirements. To find out if you qualify, call Area 12 Agency on Aging at 209-532-6272 for more information on the Chore program.