Trees of life

Early European explorers of California consistently described open, park-like woods dominated by oaks in areas where the forest transitions to a zone mainly of conifers such as pines, fir and cedar.

Pencil illustration of a forest with oak and pine trees

Oak

Pine

Pencil illustration of a forest with oak and pine trees

Oak

Pine

The park-like woodlands were no accident. For thousands of years, Indigenous people have tended these woods. Oaks are regarded as a “tree of life” because of their many uses. Their acorns provide a nutritious food for people and animals.

Pencil illustration of three oak acorns

Oak acorns

Pencil illustration of three oak acorns

Oak acorns

Indigenous people have used low-intensity fires to clear litter and underbrush and to nurture the oaks as productive orchards. Burning controls insects and promotes growth of culturally important plants and fungi among the oaks.

Pencil illustration of a small fire on the forest floor burning up small shrubs

Debris, brush and small trees

consumed by low-intensity fire.

Pencil illustration of a small fire on the forest floor burning up small shrubs

Debris, brush and small trees consumed by low-intensity fire.

This stewardship reduced the risk of devastating wildfires. Periodic clearing of underbrush and understory tree growth reduces ladder fuels that can channel flames into the treetops.

Illustration of a parklike forest with space between the trees free of debris.

Times reporting, USDA

Paul Duginski LOS ANGELES TIMES