Fires burn Los Angeles schools, destroy outdoor education sanctuaries

For Irina Contreras, outdoor education served as a lifeline during the pandemic, offering solace for her and her 7-year-old daughter, Ceiba. However, the recent wildfires ravaging Los Angeles have destroyed much of this refuge.

Ceiba, a member of the kids' adventure group Hawks, attended Matilija, a bilingual forest school where children engaged in outdoor activities like hiking, climbing, and swimming. Among her favorite spots was Eaton Canyon Nature Area, a 190-acre preserve near Altadena, which has now been reduced to ashes.

These fires have inflicted a heavy toll on families like Contreras'. Beyond the loss of lives and homes, they mourn the destruction of natural and educational sanctuaries. These spaces, vital for public and private schools, nature-based preschools, and community groups, served as both learning hubs and retreats.

Schools have also suffered, including Odyssey Charter School in Altadena, attended by the children of Miguel Ordeñana, a community science manager at the Natural History Museum. Sharing the news with his children has been a challenge, especially as many of their friends and teachers have lost homes.

Poor air quality has rendered some unaffected areas unusable. Griffith Park, known for the Hollywood sign, remains inaccessible despite being spared by the fires. Meanwhile, schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District and Pasadena Unified School District have closed, with some campuses sustaining damage. Over 300 schools across several counties were shut down, and it's unclear when they will reopen.

During the pandemic, Contreras found respite in nature as she stepped away from her busy routine. Though she is hopeful outdoor programs will eventually resume, safety concerns linger for areas like Eaton Canyon, where much of the natural habitat has been destroyed.

Richard Smart, superintendent of the Eaton Canyon Natural Area, described the devastation as "indescribable." The park, a popular field trip destination, was a cornerstone for local schools. Its loss has left the community grappling with uncertainty about future outdoor education opportunities.

Experts like Lila Higgins, a senior manager at the Natural History Museum, emphasize the importance of nature in children's development, noting its benefits for cognitive and emotional health. While rebuilding efforts are anticipated, it may take years before these areas can again serve as educational and recreational spaces.

"This is the reality of modern Southern California," said Greg Pauly, co-author of Wild L.A.. "Fire dramatically alters both landscapes and lives."