by Timothy Rutt

TreePeople and the US Forest Service are looking for volunteers to plant seedlings within the Station Fire burn area, to help restore burned areas that can’t recover on their own.

About 15,000 trees  are to be planted:  a mix of Jeffrey pine, Coulter pine, and Douglas-fir seedlings grown from native seeds harvested on the Angeles National Forest.

Plantings  will be Thursdays through Sundays (9:00 AM. – 1 PM), from Feb. 23 until the middle or end of April.
You’ll need to pre-register for this event, so that TreePeople can coordinate crew sizes and other planting details. Follow this link to find and register for the planting day(s) that work for you: http://www.treepeople.org/volunteer-search

TreePeople says:

We encourage you to wear long pants, dress in layers, and bring a jacket. All volunteers must wear closed-toe shoes (hard sole boots strongly recommended). Also, bring sunscreen, a full water bottle, your own snacks and a sack lunch. Forest Aid recommends that you bring a day pack to make sure you have all the necessary items for mountain planting. Bulk water will be available to refill your water bottle. Please remember: Tree planting at high elevations can be rigorous work, so enjoy a hearty breakfast before you arrive.

If you are under the age of 16, you must have a parent or guardian attend the event with you. If you are over 16 but under 18, you must have the attached parent consent form completed and turned in at the beginning of the event.

Because of the dynamic nature of wilderness plantings and tree care, please check our Mountain Forestry Hotline for event location and last minute changes due to rain, fire, etc.(818) 623-4871.

There will be locked gates so please be on time to get into the planting site! Also, remember to fill your gas tanks for the round trip up and down the mountain.