The Eaton Fire Destroyed Altadena's Lush Greenery. These Volunteers Are Growing It Back | KQED

"We are literally right at the toe of the mountains, we have bear[s], we have wildlife coming through here. So, it's all about partnerships and creating this ecosystem of people who are willing to help, and it galvanized after the fire, and now it's taken off into a program that is interesting to lots of people."

"Late last year, Cal State Northridge held its first tree giveaway program in Altadena, distributing dozens of saplings to locals ready to plant. Later this spring, forestry students will conduct an updated field assessment of Altadena's tree canopy while continuing to sponsor more tree giveaways."

"But Triangle Park survived, thanks in part to an oasis of lush, shady, native plant and tree life planted by Amigos de los Rios about seven years ago."

The Eaton Fire devastated Altadena's green spaces and destroyed homes, including the headquarters of Amigos de los Rios, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving the area's vegetation. However, Triangle Park survived due to native plants and trees planted by the organization seven years prior. Following the fire, community members and institutions have launched restoration initiatives. Cal State Northridge conducted its first tree giveaway program, distributing saplings to residents, with forestry students planning field assessments and additional giveaways. Residents like Laurie Scott have started grassroots efforts such as Regrow Altadena, growing and distributing free plants and saplings from their yards to neighbors, creating an ecosystem of community support for regreening the area.

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