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](/projects/indigenous-burning-graphic-20230504/assets/img/ai2html/indigenous-burning-step1-640.64631b13.jpg)
Oak
Pine
![Pencil illustration of a forest with oak and pine trees](/projects/indigenous-burning-graphic-20230504/assets/img/ai2html/indigenous-burning-step1-420.15efd6bc.jpg)
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](/projects/indigenous-burning-graphic-20230504/assets/img/ai2html/indigenous-burning-step2-316.9e413d9e.jpg)
Oak acorns
![Pencil illustration of three oak acorns](/projects/indigenous-burning-graphic-20230504/assets/img/ai2html/indigenous-burning-step2-316.9e413d9e.jpg)
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](/projects/indigenous-burning-graphic-20230504/assets/img/ai2html/indigenous-burning-step3-640.1a4fde06.jpg)
Debris, brush and small trees
consumed by low-intensity fire.
![Pencil illustration of a small fire on the forest floor burning up small shrubs](/projects/indigenous-burning-graphic-20230504/assets/img/ai2html/indigenous-burning-step3-420.e8ffc27c.jpg)
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.](/projects/indigenous-burning-graphic-20230504/assets/img/ai2html/indigenous-burning-step4-768.b5b1423f.jpg)
Times reporting, USDA
Paul Duginski LOS ANGELES TIMES