The wildfires tearing through Los Angeles have taken lives and thousands of homes. But for many families it also has meant the loss of natural areas that had served as sanctuaries and learning spaces for local families,

At least 10 people have died and more than 180,000 have been forced to evacuate as the Palisades, Eaton and Hurst fires burn tens of thousands of acres.

Before one of the most destructive fires in California history swept through, the Pacific Palisades neighborhood on Los Angeles' west side was filled with expensive homes fronted by green, well-tended landscaping and popular boutiques and cafes.