The UC Master Gardener Program of Los Angeles County has played a key role in helping communities recover from the 2025 Palisades and Eaton wildfires, according to an April 2 announcement. The program has worked closely with residents, researchers, and organizations to address wildfire impacts and support landscape restoration.
This effort is important as it offers both practical solutions for soil safety and hope for those affected by the fires. By providing resources and guidance, the program helps residents rebuild their gardens and regain confidence in their environment.
Volunteers quickly organized a Fire Resilient Gardens team after the fires. Led by Jessica Yarger, associate program coordinator, and volunteer Joleen O’Brien, they began collecting soil samples in impacted neighborhoods to test for contaminants. Kristy Bruach, who leads the pollinator team, said: “Within days after the fire, I went out and started collecting soil samples. I didn’t know what I was going to do with them; I just knew something needed to happen.”
A partnership formed on March 7, 2025 between UC Master Gardeners of Los Angeles County, TreePeople, and UCLA brought expertise in soil testing. This collaboration enabled free community events where residents could have their soil tested for contamination concerns. Lakshmi Reddy explained that during these events: “Residents were very concerned about soil contamination and their children’s exposure after the fire. We recommended practical steps like adding compost and mulch to stabilize the soil and encouraging good hygiene practices such as handwashing and removing shoes.”
The Fire Resilient Gardens team also participated in community outreach at local events throughout Altadena and Pasadena while supporting research on tree damage with environmental horticulture advisor Chris Shogren. Katie Kasprzyk said: “We documented all the damage [… ] We wanted to get that point of contact before they started healing so we could clearly see the damage.” Volunteers emphasized both scientific research efforts as well as listening to personal stories from residents about loss.
Jessica Yarger said: “UC Master Gardeners occupy a really unique space. We work alongside scientists and researchers, but we’re also on the ground with communities. That helps keep the human side of the work in focus because beyond the numbers and data, this is about how these issues are unfolding in people’s real lives.”
According to Bruach: “When we’re out in the field—whether at tabling events or community gatherings—we see how much people need hope,” adding that recovery is ongoing but progress can be seen as flowers return.
University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources secures funding through public contributions to support its programs according to its official website. The organization promotes sustainable practices aimed at strengthening resilient ecosystems while supporting economic vitality according to its official website. It utilizes nine research centers representing California’s diverse ecosystems according to its official website.
As part of Cooperative Extension services within University of California system management according to its official website, UC Agriculture conducts over 33,000 educational events each year involving more than 18,000 volunteers according to its official website. The organization extends university research statewide through educational programs operating across all counties—delivering science-based information via workshops designed for environmental stewardship—and mobilizes volunteers alongside research centers addressing state issues while enhancing economic contributions according to its official website.
The continued training of new volunteers ensures that climate-resilient gardening knowledge will persist into future recovery efforts.