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” 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.

In the wake of the Eaton Fire, Altadena lost over half of its long-standing tree canopy that defined the landscape across schools, parks, community centers, and homes. Generations grow in place here. Grandparents pass homes down to children. Homes

In the wake of the Eaton Fire, Altadena lost over half of its long-standing tree canopy that defined the landscape across schools, parks, community centers, and homes. Generations grow in place here. Grandparents pass homes down to children. Homes witness lifetimes. As do the trees. Many trees that shaped the character of our neighborhood were planted and cared for by previous generations of residents, who knew they might never experience the full shade, size, or beauty those trees would eventually provide. And now it's our turn. Planting a tree is an act of faith in the future.

In Fall 2025, AltadenaWILD, along with CSUN and Outward Bound Adventures, gave away over 300 trees to Altadena residents. Building on the momentum of that initial giveaway, AltadenaWILD, partnering with Altadena Green, is building a long term tree gi

In Fall 2025, AltadenaWILD, along with CSUN and Outward Bound Adventures, gave away over 300 trees to Altadena residents. Building on the momentum of that initial giveaway, AltadenaWILD, partnering with Altadena Green, is building a long term tree giveaway program that combines giving trees to Altadena residents with providing education on how to care for and nurture those trees to maturity. This program is intended to last as long as it takes Altadena to recover the tree canopy lost in the Eaton Fire and the subsequent rebuilding process. When you are ready, we will be here (with trees)!

Under this Altadena Tree Steward program, AltadenaWILD is building an educational program, in person and online workshops that cover the complete lifespan of a new tree on your property. We are offering workshops on selecting the right trees and the

Under this Altadena Tree Steward program, AltadenaWILD is building an educational program, in person and online workshops that cover the complete lifespan of a new tree on your property. We are offering workshops on selecting the right trees and the right placement of those trees, how to properly plant and stake, and care for young trees. We are supporting the development of a new tree canopy while ushering in people, Altadena residents, who will become the stewards of these new trees.

Learn about our AARP award!

DONATE TO REGREEN ALTADENA
SIGN UP TO BE AN ALTADENA TREE STEWARD

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.

  • Altadena resident (current or resident on 1/7/25)

  • Gained acceptance at a 2-year or 4-year college or university

  • Pursuing a degree in environmental studies, urban planning, environmental science, sustainability, or related program; and

  • 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!

Read More Here
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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.

EMAIL YOUR SUGGESTION

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