California gardeners plant native species in parks to prevent wildfire spread – in pictures

Volunteers plant native species in parks throughout California in an effort to restore biodiversity and slow the spread of wildfire

Test Plot, a project launched in 2019 by the landscape architecture firm Terremoto, has built eight plots in Elysian Park alone.On a recent Friday morning, volunteers were pulling out invasive grass and black mustard to make room for wildflowers and other drought-resistant, native species

This garden is a response to a challenge vexing parks departments across the American west: how to adapt to a changing climate with limited resources?

‘It’s an experiment in design through maintenance,’ said Jenny Jones (pictured), director of Test Plot. ‘We bring our skills as designers to the park, but do it in a more immediate, low-budget, low-tech way that is very community friendly’

In southern California, native flora tends to tolerate drought, making it more resistant to wildfire

By contrast, many invasive species tend to dry up, becoming kindling during wildfires, which have become more frequent and severe in recent years as the planet heats up

Terremoto’s Burn Scar Test Plot, also in Elysian Park, was covered in black mustard and eucalyptus, two non-native and flammable species that burned during 2023 fires

The gardens are attracting pollinators and birds such as red tailed hawks and red-breasted hummingbirds

Some 500 volunteers have volunteered in Elysian Park over the last few years. ‘It’s not, just a one-time tree-planting on Earth Day,’ said Jones. ‘It’s a years-long relationship with the land.’Here, volunteer Rebecca Crane and her dog June at the Elysian Test Plot

‘In Los Angeles, we see a lot of people fleeing the film and TV industry, which is struggling right now, and finding purpose in care and stewardship,’ Jones said. ‘It gives you a place to put your energy.’Pictured: a lacy phaecelia plant in front of elegant clarkias at the Elysian Test Plot