Nature’s Healing Path: Help Burn Scars Heal

An aerial view of a fire raging through the Santa Monica Mountains on January 11, 2025. The intense flames and thick smoke are clearly visible, consuming vast stretches of the forested landscape.

By Andre Satchell

After the wildfires in Los Angeles, restoring the ecosystems in the San Gabriel and Santa Monica Mountains is crucial. This involves planting trees, stabilizing the soil, and reviving habitats to ensure these areas remain vibrant and healthy.

We can all can play a significant role by volunteering for tree planting activities or joining habitat restoration projects. Donations to wildfire recovery organizations can also make a difference.

Supporting wildlife rehabilitation centers is another important avenue for help, as these organizations care for animals affected by the fires. By getting involved, everyone can contribute to the recovery and protection of these beautiful natural landscapes, ensuring they thrive for generations to come.

To honor nature’s healing process, we usually wait between eight months to two years before embarking on restoration efforts in burn scars. It’s important to avoid hiking or other recreational activities in these vulnerable areas, as footsteps can unintentionally disrupt the delicate soil,hinder regrowth, or introduce invasive seedsthat might outcompete native plants. When your beloved trails eventually reopen, please remain on the marked paths to protect the fragile, freshly-burned soil. We also need to extend our support to wildlife displaced by the wildfires, as they will be seeking new sources of food and shelter.

In the months ahead, we'll update you on new restoration opportunities. For now, there are many ways to volunteer with other burn scar projects.

We will heal. Nature will heal.