L. A. Wildfires: Learning in the Wild, Lost and Found

A place where kids could learn and play outdoors during a pandemic. For many families in Los Angeles, that place was Eaton Canyon Nature Center. But wildfires have changed everything. Schools are closed, and the beloved nature center is gone. Parents like Irina Contreras are heartbroken. Her daughter, Ceiba, loved exploring the canyon with her friends. Miguel Ordeñana's kids go to Odyssey Charter School in Altadena, which was also destroyed by the flames. The community is hurting, and it's not just about lost homes. These fires have taken away precious learning spaces that brought families together. Outdoor education isn't just fun; it's crucial for kids' development. It helps them connect with nature, learn about animals, and even feel calmer. But with wildfires becoming more common, what happens to these vital spaces? Richard Smart, the park's superintendent, worries that schools won't be able to use Eaton Canyon for a long time. And Lila Higgins, a forest therapy guide, says it's a big loss for kids' cognitive development. Griffith Park, home to the Hollywood sign, is safe for now, but the air quality isn't great. No one knows when outdoor programs can resume.Schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District are closed due to smoke and ash. Pasadena Unified School District has also been affected, with some campuses damaged. The California Department of Education reports that 335 schools are closed across several counties. It's unclear how many will reopen next week. Contreras feels that outdoor programs will return, but it's hard to say when it will be safe again. She found solace in her daughter's outdoor education during the pandemic. Now, she's one of many parents wondering what to do next. The fires have changed the landscape, and it's going to take time to heal.