Making Nature Accessible Again in Altadena

Wildfire relief

San Gabriel Valley

Expand existing project, program, or initiative (expanding and continuing ongoing, successful work)

LA Conservation Corps has been at the forefront of disaster response and recovery for 40 years—1992 LA Uprising, 1994 Northridge earthquake, 2016 El Niño flooding, 2018 Woolsey Fire in Malibu, the 2020-2023 COVID-19 Pandemic, and the 2025 Palisades and Eaton Fires. We play a key role in prevention—reducing fire fuel in high-risk areas, restoring native habitats to strengthen ecosystems, and training the next generation of essential workers in emergency response and environmental services.

The Corps is committed to helping the community recover from the recent wildfires. Our Corpsmembers will help our region heal through habitat restoration projects, including park and trail revitalization, and reduce fire fuel in high-risk areas to protect people and property, as well as restoring native habitats to strengthen ecosystems. Focus on the under-resourced communities of Altadena will ensure equitable recovery now and climate resilience for the future.

Each year, 500 low-income young adults enter the Young Adult Corps Program at the LA Conservation Corps, with about half that number serving our communities and the environment at any given time. We provide work, education, and supportive services to connect Corpsmembers with careers or college. Environmentally focused projects provide work-based learning for our Corpsmembers. This project includes rebuilding green space and wildfire recovery in Altadena.

The Eaton Fire burned more than 14,000 acres in Altadena. It devastated the foothills forming the urban-wildland interface between Altadena and the Angeles National Forest. This includes the trail system, particularly the Altadena Crest Trail. The trail system provides access to nature and free recreation for the residents of under-resourced communities like Altadena. It also helps to prevent erosion damage, protect fragile ecosystems, protect wildlife, and preserve natural beauty by directing human access to nature. The Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), in partnership with the LA Conservation Corps, has identified tasks for the trail system’s recovery after wildfire, including debris clearance, tread surface repair, rock armoring to reinforce trails on switchbacks, retaining wall replacement, drainage dips/regrading, and fencing to prevent people from disturbing habitat.

Our hardworking Corpsmembers are excited to be a part of restoring the popular Altadena Crest Trail.

The Altadena Crest Trail (ACT) is one of Altadena’s “most valued treasures.” Altadena residents Robert Staehle and Lori Paul (Altadena Neighbors, April 2024) praised the ACT for being a “linear park” that provides free, outdoor recreation for hikers, runners, dogwalkers, bicyclists, and equestrians. The ACT is known for its steep slopes, so it is recommended for seasoned hikers, but it can be enjoyed by anyone interested in walking for health. The ACT offers a breathtaking view of mountains, cities, the Pacific Ocean, and Catalina Island. The ACT is closed now, and our Corpsmembers will work hard to make it accessible to residents again.

Work and education, bolstered by supportive services, connect young adults with careers and college. Our long-term plan is to increase number of wildfire recovery and mitigation projects that provide work-based learning for our Corpsmembers. LA County will be cleaner, greener, and safer while young adults gain increased economic mobility.