Activists Protest Tree Removal in Pasadena School District

In Pasadena, California, an intense protest has emerged over plans to remove dozens of trees from school campuses. At John Muir High School, named after the renowned environmentalist, activists chained themselves to trees to halt chainsaw operations. They saw limbs being cut from a long-standing American sweet gum tree.

For weeks, protestors conducted constant surveillance of the Pasadena Unified School District. Their aim was to prevent the removal of three American sweet gum trees that have thrived for decades. The trees sit in soil contaminated by the Eaton Fire, which devastated the region 18 months ago, killing 19 and destroying properties.

Pasadena Unified is collaborating with the California Department of Toxic Substances Control. They claim removing the trees and soil is integral to eliminating toxic substances like lead and arsenic before schools reopen in August. However, activists argue alternative methods of soil cleaning could preserve the trees, and point to local ordinances that protect many of these trees.

A spokesperson from the school district emphasized the necessity of tree removal to ensure safe toxin cleanup, acknowledging the community’s emotional ties to the trees. Meanwhile, public outcry led the city of Pasadena to issue a stop-work order and assess the trees independently.

Earlier plans disclosed in a public meeting had indicated the removal of 193 trees from 11 sites due to pollution concerns. Many native tree species were part of the planned removal, stirring protests from environmental activists claiming that promises of one-to-one tree replacement were insufficient.

Activists have responded with bold actions. Environmentalist Nina Raj rushed to intercept tree-cutting activities, and teenager Paloma Muñiz-Ochoa spent hours in the canopy of an oak. Arborist Sabine Höppner chain-bound herself to century-old sycamore trees to emphasize their importance.

In mid-June, the district declared its intent to preserve up to 57 trees based on community feedback, although specific decision criteria remain unclear. Nonetheless, tree removal persists despite Pasadena’s protective ordinances.

The ongoing conflict has engaged seasoned activists like Julia Butterfly Hill, highlighting the district’s failure to anticipate community resistance. Legal interventions continue, with a warrant allowing city arborists to inspect the trees at John Muir High School.

Activists remain vigilant, drawing strength from the resilience observed in fire-affected trees. Höppner expresses hope, revealing how new tissue beneath charred bark signifies regrowth. Her experience underscores the vitality and silent recovery processes of these trees.