How Wildfires Devastated Los Angeles Schools and Outdoor Education Sanctuaries
Wildfires have ravaged Los Angeles, leaving a trail of destruction that extends beyond homes and lives lost. For Irina Contreras, outdoor education was a sanctuary for her and her daughter during the pandemic. However, the wildfires have engulfed their refuge, including Matilija, a bilingual forest school, and Eaton Canyon Nature Area.
The Impact on Education and Community
The devastation goes beyond physical structures; it affects the very essence of learning and community. Parents like Contreras mourn the loss of natural and educational spaces that were vital for families, especially during the pandemic.
Miguel Ordeñana, a parent and senior manager at the Natural History Museum, shares the emotional toll on families as they navigate the aftermath. The closure of schools, like Odyssey Charter School, and the uncertainty surrounding outdoor programs highlight the ongoing challenges faced by the community.
Challenges Faced by Schools and Educators
School closures due to heavy smoke and ash have disrupted the educational landscape in Los Angeles. The impact is felt across multiple districts, with hundreds of schools forced to shut their doors.
Richard Smart, superintendent of Eaton Canyon Natural Area, laments the loss of a beloved nature center that hosted numerous school field trips annually. The absence of such educational experiences leaves a void in the community that will take time to heal.
Looking Towards Recovery
Despite the devastation, there is hope for the future. Lila Higgins from the Natural History Museum emphasizes the healing power of connecting with nature after a disaster. She advocates for following Indigenous wisdom in the fire recovery process and highlights the importance of nature for children’s cognitive development.
Greg Pauly, director of the Urban Nature Research Center, echoes the sentiment of rebuilding and reconnecting with nature in the aftermath of fires. While the landscape may have changed, the resilience of communities shines through as they strive to create new learning opportunities amidst the destruction.
