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 now 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.

Re-Greening 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 “Tree-Up Altadena” re-greening initiative complements and leverages existing programs and expertise to bring new tree planting to Altadena and provide workforce training in tree cultivation.

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 environmen

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, also helping with healing. This drove us to action.

During the upcoming planting season, roughly 20 paid Urban Forest Corps members will master wildfire-smart arboriculture while 30 volunteer stewards guide neighbors in hands-on restoration, planting at least 100 climate-ready natives in yards, inclu

During the upcoming planting season, roughly 20 paid Urban Forest Corps members will master wildfire-smart arboriculture while 30 volunteer stewards guide neighbors in hands-on restoration, planting at least 100 climate-ready natives in yards, including coast live oaks, western sycamores, and other species chosen for their proven ember resistance and post-fire resilience.

We leverage CalState Northridge' Urban Forestry Project's education of students and the public on tree health, and tree planting efforts to grow urban forests. Altadena Green and Amigos de Los Rios bring expertise and essential heroic efforts to pre

We leverage CalState Northridge' Urban Forestry Project's education of students and the public on tree health, and tree planting efforts to grow urban forests. Altadena Green and Amigos de Los Rios bring expertise and essential heroic efforts to preserve and protect existing trees by volunteers and professional arborists.

“Tree-Up Altadena” launches in September 2025!

AltadenaWILD’s financial support will help pay for the acquisition and care for new trees in Altadena, and stipends for Urban Forest Corps workforce trainees. Help us maximize our impact with a donation today!

Additional details about the initiative will be rolled out very soon.

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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 will be announced in early September 2025.

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