Supporting Healing and Renewal in Southern California's Fire Recovery
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In the aftermath of the catastrophic fires and extreme wind events that struck Southern California, we understand that many supporters, volunteers, local chapters, and community members remain eager to help. The entire Audubon California team extends our heartfelt condolences to all those affected by these devastating events. We recognize the profound loss and uncertainty many are facing, and we are committed to supporting the communities working to heal, rebuild, and renew what has been lost.
The Audubon Center at Debs Park in Northeast Los Angeles has opened its space to those impacted by the fires as a place for reflection, connection, and healing. We are honored to offer our facility rental spaces free of charge to community members and organizations in need of a temporary venue for fundraising events, meetings, or other gatherings to support the recovery process. Read more below.
We also want to uplift the recovery efforts of some of our local partners who are working tirelessly to support their communities. Amigos de los Rios, who lost everything in the Eaton Fire, needs support. You can learn more about their incredible work and how to help here. The Eaton Canyon Nature Center, a beloved gathering place for community members and home to Pasadena Audubon's monthly meetings and bird walks, was destroyed in the fire. Now, the center faces a long road to recovery and will need support to rebuild. Additionally, the Altadena Seed Library is seeking seed donations to help reseed Altadena—every contribution makes a difference.
Together, we will heal and rebuild. Below, you'll find resources and opportunities to get involved. | | | | |
| California Quail, 2024 Birds in Landscapes Prize Winner Photo: Kevin Lohman/Audubon Photography Awards | | | | |
| Amigos de los Rios is working to create the Emerald Necklace, a network of green spaces, schools, parks, and trails throughout underserved communities in the Los Angeles Basin. They lost everything in the Altadena fires, including their building and all supplies. Learn more about their work and how you can help them recover here. Additionally, learn more about Eaton Canyon Trails' path to recovery and follow Amigos de los Rios' recommendations while visiting trails during this time of healing. | | | | |
The Eaton Canyon Nature Center has long been a hub for environmental education and community connection, serving as the home of Pasadena Audubon's monthly meetings and bird walks. Operated by the Eaton Canyon Nature Center Associates (ECNCA), a nonprofit dedicated to fostering appreciation for the natural world and preserving Eaton Canyon for future generations, the center played a vital role in connecting people to nature. The fire destroyed the center, leaving behind a significant loss for the community. Learn more about its significance and how you can help here.
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The Audubon Center at Debs Park is honored to offer our facility rental spaces free of charge to community members and organizations impacted by the fires who need a temporary venue for fundraising events, meetings, or other gatherings to support the recovery process. In addition to our indoor spaces, we also have a courtyard area and a tranquil space beneath our pepper tree available for small outdoor gatherings.
Our facility rental operating hours are 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM, with all events concluding, including cleanup, by 4:00 PM, unless special arrangements are made.
If you or your organization need space, please complete our Space Rental Interest Registration Form to request a reservation.
We're so proud of our team and our center at Debs Park. For 22 years, it has served as a vital part of the local community in Northeast Los Angeles, providing hands-on habitat restoration events, youth leadership, and conservation stewardship, as well as family-friendly programs. Our fully off-grid center served as a command center for City Council district staff during a critical day of wildfire response.
If you'd like to support this vital space, consider making a donation. Every contribution helps ensure we can continue to offer a place of solace and connection for those affected by the fires and for our broader community. Donate to the Audubon Center at Debs Park here.
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| Visitors and volunteers enjoying the Audubon Center at Debs Park. Photo: Mike Fernandez/Audubon. | | | | |
The Altadena Seed Library is collecting donations of native seeds to support replanting efforts in the aftermath of the fires. Skylight Books is serving as a drop-off location for these seed donations. Find details on how to drop off your seed contributions at Skylight Books, and learn more about how these community hubs are making a difference here.
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| Mark your calendars for March 2, 2025, at 5:30 PM in Thousand Oaks, CA, for a special fundraising event hosted by Conejo Valley Audubon. A portion of the proceeds will go towards a new addition to their Lawns to Habitat program, providing native plants and yard designs for those impacted by wildfires. Don't miss the chance to support this important cause while enjoying an evening of community and conservation! Reserve your ticket here. | | | | |
| Conejo Valley Audubon Society's Lawns to Habitat Grant Program | | | | |
| Project Phoenix: Understanding the Impact of Wildfire Smoke on Birds | | As wildfire smoke becomes a growing threat to both human and avian health, ecologist Olivia Sanderfoot is leading Project Phoenix, a community science initiative to study how smoke affects birds. Volunteers across California are helping researchers by conducting 10-minute weekly surveys during peak fire season, providing critical data on how birds behave in smoky conditions. With this data, Sanderfoot hopes to answer important questions about bird movement, and behavior, and how we can better protect them during hazardous smoke events. Learn more about how you can get involved and contribute to this vital research. | | | | |
Calling all community scientists—the 28th annual Great Backyard Bird Count starts Feb 14! Whether you're a budding birdwatcher or a bird-count veteran, you can use your ID skills to help scientists protect birds and the places they need. Sign up today.
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| Spotted Towhee. Photo: Jim Merritt/Macaulay Library | | | | |
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