Inspired by Jane Goodall, students build nurseries to reforest L.A.’s fire-scorched communities
Students from EF Academy in Pasadena and other schools are participating in the TREEAMS initiative to replant 5,000 trees in fire-damaged areas of Los Angeles, including Altadena, the Palisades, and Malibu, inspired by Jane Goodall’s conservation vision. After the Palisades fire destroyed their elementary school, Seven Arrows, students are now growing native trees in on-campus nurseries before replanting them in affected communities, with support from UCLA and EcoRise.
Students in Los Angeles are leading a reforestation effort called TREEAMS (Trees and Dreams) to restore fire-scorched communities in Altadena, the Palisades, and Malibu. Inspired by conservationist Jane Goodall, the initiative aims to plant 5,000 native trees over three to five years, with students tending to saplings in on-campus nurseries before replanting them in schools, parks, and homes affected by the Palisades and Eaton fires. The project began after the Palisades fire destroyed Seven Arrows Elementary School, forcing students to relocate. EF Academy in Pasadena now hosts a nursery with 30 repotted trees, including western redbud, toyon, and California sycamore, with plans to expand to other schools. Initially, the team planned to plant trees immediately, but contaminated soil and ongoing rebuilding delayed efforts, leading to the nursery approach. Jane Goodall, who passed away before the project’s launch, was set to plant the first tree in October. Her legacy continues as students care for the trees, learning environmental science through a curriculum developed by UCLA and EcoRise. The nurseries also make smaller trees more affordable and easier to donate. Dan Lambe of the Arbor Day Foundation praised the initiative, noting its role in mental well-being and community healing. Research shows nearly 9 in 10 Americans believe green spaces improve mental health, reinforcing the project’s broader impact. TREEAMS now seeks partnerships with more schools to scale up reforestation efforts across L.A.
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