Eaton Fire Recovery
The Fire
The devastation wrought by the January 7, 2025 Eaton Fire impacted entire communities and natural habitat along the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains. Homes, businesses, infrastructure, and lives were lost. In Altadena, the fire obliterated the urban landscape and scorched hillsides.
The road to healing and recovery is long, and the needs are many. But Nature is resilient, and so are Altadenans. AltadenaWILD is embarking on new initiatives to help our community heal. We bring our role as advocates for our local foothills and wildlands to the urban needs of Altadena’s residents and the environment.
ReGreen Altadena
In a post-fire survey, the community told us a top priority for healing is with education and training on tree health, and in establishing a vibrant tree canopy.
In response, our new “ReGreen Altadena” pilot initiative complements and leverages existing programs to bring expertise for workforce training on tree cultivation, and the opportunity for Altadenans to obtain and care for new trees.
Altadena’s urban forest protected some homes from burning, but almost half of the thousands of trees were destroyed by fire. Part of Altadena’s identity comes from love of nature and trees, adding more injury to the loss. Trees cool the environment and are linked to physical and mental restoration, and will help our community heal. This drove us to action.
During the upcoming planting season, 20 Urban Forest Corps members will master wildfire-smart arboriculture, and assist in providing education on caring for climate-ready natives. A tree give-away to Altadenans may include coast live oaks, western sycamores, and other species chosen for their proven ember resistance and post-fire resilience.
We leverage the CSU-Northridge (CSUN) Urban Forestry Project's education of students and the public on tree health with tree planting efforts to grow urban forests. Corps members in the pilot year are from CSUN, Outward Bound Adventures, and Altadena community members. An important element of this effort is workforce training for students and young adults who may aspire to working in the arboriculture field.
AltadenaWILD College Scholarships
AltadenaWILD wants to encourage and support young community members with a passion for learning and caring for the environment.
AltadenaWILD is now offering scholarships for eligible students impacted by the Eaton Fire, to help in their pursuit of higher education in the environmental and related fields.
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Altadena resident (current or resident on 1/7/25)
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Gained acceptance at a 2-year or 4-year college or university
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Pursuing a degree in environmental studies, urban planning, environmental science, sustainability, or related program; and
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Demonstrated interest and experience in the natural environment of urban-wildland interface areas such as Altadena and the San Gabriel Mountains.
With support from the Altadena Rotary Club, we will offer several $2000 scholarships to Altadena residents entering their freshman year at a 2-year or 4-year college or university in Fall 2025.
Selections have been announced!
Representation on Community Coalition
President Michael D. Bicay represents AltadenaWILD on the Community Coalition for Altadena Recovery (CCAR), a leadership group chartered by LA County Fifth District Supervisor Kathryn Barger.
The CCAR works with Supervisor Barger’s staff to ensure that Eaton Fire recovery efforts are systematic, methodical – and community-driven. The CCAR works with Altadena residents to ensure that their values and perspectives are properly reflected in the rebuilding and healing of our community.
The CCAR meets every two weeks and welcomes dialogue and useful suggestions from Altadenans. If you have a recommendation pertaining to what you would like to see in Altadena 2.0, please send your suggestions to altadenawild@gmail.com.
CCAR Community Representation
Altadena Town Council
Altadena Chamber of Commerce & Civic Association
Altadena Coalition of Neighborhood Associations
Altadena Heritage
Altadena Historical Society
AltadenaWILD
NAACP/Altadena chapter
Rotary Club/Altadena chapter