The new Landscape Recovery Center in Eaton Canyon opened over the weekend, which officials said marks a major milestone in restoring parks and natural habitats impacted by the 2025 Los Angeles wildfires.
The Center will serve as a plant nursery and hub for restoration focused on growing native plants and trees to support long-term habitat regeneration and urban forest recovery.
“The Landscape Recovery Center is a critical investment in the restoration of the Eaton Canyon Natural Area and surrounding habitats,” Los Angeles County District 5 Supervisor Kathryn Barger said in a statement. “Plants grown from an Altadena seed library created before the wildfires will take root here and flourish once again. This effort transforms a site of loss into a local hub for regeneration and stewardship. The Landscape Recovery Center is already emerging as a model for how public agencies can lead in climate adaptation and disaster recovery.”
The Landscape Recovery Center is funded through grants totaling nearly $3 million. The Regional Park and Open Space District overseen by the LA County Board of Supervisors contributed $1 million, and $1.87 million is from the San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy, which is connected with the California Natural Resources Agency.
Assemblymeman John Harabedian, D-Pasadena, worked to secure state funding for fire recovery in Eaton Canyon.
“For Altadena and nearby communities devastated by the wildfires, this Landscape Recovery Center is a promise fulfilled to help Altadena, its parks and its residents rebuild back with the lasting benefits of native trees and shrubs,” Harabedian said in a statement. “I fought to secure funding for this project in the state budget because rebuilding these neighborhoods matters. Restoring parks and green spaces provides residents with places to gather and heal. This center will help the community recover while protecting and enhancing the local environment for years to come.”
So far 200 native trees have been purchased for burned areas, along with 1,000 native shrubs and understory plants, officials said. Species were selected for ecological value and cultural significance to the San Gabriel Band of Mission Indians Gabrielino Tongva.
A tree planting ceremoniously opened the Landscape Recovery Center.
“As we restore County parks in Altadena and help regreen Eaton Canyon, we are grateful for the broad support,” Norma E. García-González, director of the county Department of Parks and Recreation, said in a statement. “This is just phase one of a multi-phase recovery of a critical habitat, beloved recreation landmark, and county-designated Significant Ecological Area. With additional support we can grow more trees and expand our nursery capacity.”
Over the past seven months, volunteers have spent hundreds of hours restoring habitat in Eaton Canyon led by the Eaton Canyon Nature Center Associates conservation team, officials said. Crews first transformed the Landscape Recovery Center site by removing invasive plants such as short-pod mustard, castor bean, tree tobacco and fountain grass, preparing the soil for native restoration.
Restoration efforts are currently expanding northward into the canyon.
Plants grown at the new Center will help restore seven fire-damaged county parks. Six are in Altadena — Charles S. Farnsworth Park, Charles White Park, Eaton Canyon Natural Area, Loma Alta Park, Altadena Golf Course and Triangle Park — along with Castaic Lake State Recreation Area.
The WiFi-capable Center is a modular building with offices, storage and equipment space, according to the county. Five full-time and four part-time staff members will operate the facility that now includes water access, irrigation systems, plumbing and restrooms.
