Description
The 2025 Eaton Fire and subsequent storm surges reshaped Eaton Canyon Natural Area, altering more than 190 acres of parkland at the wildland–urban interface. Fire and flood are long-standing ecological processes in the San Gabriel Mountains, but the impacts of the Eaton Fire unfolded within a modern context of climate change, invasive species, and heavy recreational use, creating complex management challenges.
This presentation will share how Los Angeles County, in collaboration with landscape architects, biological consultants, local tribes, academic institutions, and core community partners like the CNPS, is responding to these changes through science-based, culturally-based, and community-driven recovery efforts. Topics will include: (1) establishing post-fire baselines using, amongst other tools, CNPS vegetation assessment protocols, iNaturalist, and eBird; (2) sedimentation and geomorphological studies that inform hydrology and erosion responses; (3) incorporating Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) into restoration planning; (4) strategies for prioritizing invasive species management while supporting regeneration of natural communities; and (5) engaging volunteers and docents in long-term monitoring and stewardship efforts.
Although many baseline studies are ongoing, early findings point to several clear needs. Vegetation assessments and biodiversity intake through iNaturalist and eBird show a strong rebound of native plants but also a significant rise in non-native species, confirming the need for aggressive removal efforts now underway. Wildlife is steadily returning, supported by visual observations, trail camera detections, and sign. The February, March, and November storm surges caused heavy sediment deposition in several stretches of the wash, localized areas of bank failure, and exposed bedrock in tributary canyons, highlighting both significant geomorphic change and the County’s need to actively manage these spaces to maintain the integrity of the wash and support safe public access for years to come.
By viewing the Eaton Fire not solely as a disruption but as part of an evolving fire–flood regime, this work emphasizes resilience and adaptive management rooted in both science and traditional cultural practices. Lessons emerging from Eaton Canyon’s recovery extend beyond this landscape, offering insights for managing biodiversity, visitor use, and restoration priorities across California’s fire-adapted landscapes.
Presenter Bios
Cristhian Mace
County of Los Angeles
Cristhian Mace is the Natural Areas Biologist for the County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation. She manages ecological research, habitat assessments, and conservation planning across the County’s Natural Areas, with a focus on vegetation mapping, wildlife monitoring, and resource stewardship. With two decades of experience in ecology and conservation, Cristhian has worked in biological consulting, community science, and public land management, bringing a unique perspective that bridges field biology, planning, and public engagement. Her current work emphasizes fire ecology, climate resilience, and collaborative restoration, including projects at Eaton Canyon, Devil’s Punchbowl, and other protected areas. She is passionate about integrating Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) and community stewardship into adaptive management strategies, ensuring that natural resource protection is both science-based and culturally grounded.
DateSaturday, February 7
