This Is Why You Shouldn’t Start Spreading Seeds in Wildfire Zones 

The recent wildfires in Southern California have devastated natural landscapes, leaving communities searching for ways to help. For many, the instinct to aid in nature’s recovery is strong, with well-meaning individuals eager to scatter seeds and replant what has been lost. However, ecological recovery is a delicate process, and unsupervised efforts—no matter how good the intention—can often cause more harm than good.

Courtesy of SAMO Fund

Unauthorized seed spreading, even when using California native plants, can disrupt fragile ecosystems in critical ways. Without the guidance of experts who understand the unique needs of the region, these actions may introduce plants that stress recovering habitats or outcompete species critical to local biodiversity.

Organizations like the Santa Monica Mountains Fund (SAMO Fund) are leading the way in responsible recovery efforts. Dedicated to protecting and restoring the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, the SAMO Fund emphasizes the importance of ecological planning and guided restoration. Here, we’ll explore why expert-led efforts are crucial, how unauthorized seed spreading can harm ecosystems, and ways you can get involved in supervised recovery projects.

The Risks of Unauthorized Seed Spreading

Wildfires are a natural part of Southern California’s shrubland ecosystems, but the high frequency of fires today has created unprecedented challenges for these landscapes. “There are areas in the Santa Monica Mountains that have burned more than a dozen times,” explains the team at SAMO Fund. Unlike the infrequent fires caused by natural events like lightning strikes, human-caused fires often occur under extreme conditions, such as Santa Ana winds, leading to catastrophic damage.

In the immediate aftermath of a fire, the loss of vegetation can expose soil to erosion from wind and rain, sometimes triggering landslides during heavy storms. These barren landscapes also invite invasive weeds—aggressive species that quickly take hold in the open soil. Many of these invaders, such as annual grasses, not only outcompete native plants but also create hazardous fuels that perpetuate a destructive cycle called the “weed-fire cycle.” According to SAMO Fund, “Wildfires encourage invasion by hazardous fuels, which aids in future ignitions and spread, leading to more fires and more weeds.” Over time, this feedback loop can permanently displace native shrublands, converting them into less biodiverse annual grasslands.

Courtesy of SAMO Fund

While it’s tempting to scatter seeds in burned areas to “help” recovery, doing so without expert guidance can exacerbate the problem. SAMO Fund highlights several risks associated with unauthorized seed spreading:

• Invasive Species Introduction: Most commercially available seeds are non-native or not adapted to the local environment, which can stress ecosystems already struggling to recover.
• Genetic Contamination: Even California native seeds can pose risks if they are not regionally specific. “Resource managers strive to use seeds collected from local populations,” a representative of SAMO Fund explains. These seeds have evolved over time to thrive in their specific environments, while seeds from outside the region can hybridize with local populations, reducing genetic diversity and fitness.
• Misguided Assumptions: One of the biggest misconceptions about wildfire recovery is that the open soil left after a fire requires reseeding. Many native species are in fact well adapted to this scenario. “The soil is equipped with decades of native seed, many of which only come up after fires with adequate rains,” says a representative of SAMO Fund. Plants like poppies, lupines, and goldfields—known as fire-followers—naturally emerge after a fire without human intervention.

Instead of acting on instinct, SAMO Fund policy urges the public to allow nature—and experts—to guide recovery. Areas showing poor native recovery should be evaluated by trained biologists, who can determine the appropriate course of action. As SAMO Fund points out, “Surface seeding often results in runoff, with seeds washed downslope during rain events,” making well-intentioned efforts ineffective or even counterproductive.

By understanding these risks, we can better support recovery efforts that protect and sustain Southern California’s unique ecosystems for generations to come.

Courtesy of SAMO Fund

Efforts by Local Organizations

Post-fire recovery is a complex process that requires careful planning, local expertise, and community involvement. Ecological restoration projects aim to rebuild damaged landscapes while preserving the unique biodiversity of Southern California’s ecosystems. “Resource managers strive to use seed in restoration projects that were collected from populations that grow in the same region,” explains a SAMO Fund spokesperson. For example, seeds used in restoration efforts are sourced from seven distinct ecological zones within the Santa Monica Mountains, ensuring that the plants are well adapted to the specific environmental conditions of each zone.

One notable example of a successful recovery effort followed the devastating 2018 Woolsey Fire. In partnership with the National Park Service, SAMO Fund led the park’s largest-ever restoration project. Over the course of two years, more than 110,000 native plants—including 10,000 trees and over 100,000 grasses, forbs, and shrubs—were installed across five fire-impacted sites. The effort brought together over 3,000 volunteers to assist with planting and growing operations, proving that large-scale restoration is possible when communities and experts work together. This milestone has since inspired similar projects throughout the region.

Courtesy of SAMO Fund

How You Can Help Responsibly

Restoring fire-impacted landscapes is a community effort, and the public plays a vital role in making meaningful contributions to post-fire recovery. According to the Santa Monica Mountains Fund, volunteers are instrumental in supporting supervised restoration activities. From planting native species and growing plants at local nurseries to collecting seeds, cleaning them, and removing invasive plants by hand, there are numerous ways for individuals to get involved.

For those looking to rehabilitate their own private property, SAMO Fund encourages using locally sourced native plants, which not only aid in recovery but also support local wildlife. Los Angeles is located in one of the world’s 36 biodiversity hotspots—areas recognized for their unique and at-risk ecosystems. In particular, wetlands, riparian zones, and native grasslands require special care and attention after wildfires. Creating a native garden at home is an excellent way to bolster local ecology, especially for urban residents looking to provide critical resources for wildlife passing through developed areas. “Starting a native garden on your property is one of the best ways to support local wildlife,” SAMO Fund spokespersons advise. However, homeowners near wildfire-prone areas should always follow fire safety guidelines when landscaping.

If you’re ready to take action, consider joining one of the many restoration events organized by local nonprofits. SAMO Fund, which is the official nonprofit partner to the National Park Service, hosts weekly volunteer habitat restoration events that welcome participants of all experience levels. To find out how you can get involved, sign up for their newsletter, attend an event, or explore donation opportunities by visiting their website. Whether it’s hands-on work or providing financial support, your efforts can have a lasting impact on the health of Southern California’s wildlands.