LA Wildfires: Burning Schools and Outdoor Classrooms

As wildfires rage around Los Angeles, families and educators are mourning the loss of beloved outdoor learning spaces and the impact on students. Irina Contreras, a program manager, saw her daughter's outdoor education sanctuary go up in flames. The fires have hit various educational settings hard, from public schools to nature-based preschools and summer camps. Ceiba, Irina's 7-year-old daughter, loved exploring places like Eaton Canyon Nature Area. She learned about nature, played, and discovered hidden paths. The wildfires destroyed not just the nature center but also the schools that used it for field trips. Miguel Ordeñana, a senior manager at the Natural History Museum, shared the distress of his community. The fires have affected the Odyssey Charter School in Altadena, and many families have lost their homes. The air quality in areas like Griffith Park is poor, making it unsafe for outdoor programs.Schools across Los Angeles have closed due to heavy smoke and ash. The California Department of Education reported that 335 schools were closed. Parents and teachers are now wondering where to take their children as the fires continue. Richard Smart, the superintendent of the Eaton Canyon Natural Area, explained the devastation. The nature center is gone, and the park won't be usable for the foreseeable future. Lila Higgins, a senior manager at the Natural History Museum, emphasized the importance of connecting with nature after disasters. Greg Pauly, director of the Urban Nature Research Center, hopes that natural areas will recover and welcome field trips again, but it will take time. Wildfires are a harsh reality of Southern California, changing landscapes and lives.