Retired teacher Steve Crouch has spent over a decade leading efforts to restore the tree canopy in Altadena and surrounding areas through his organization, Re-Oak California. Motivated by the extensive oak tree losses caused by drought, insect infestations, development, illegal cutting, and wildfires, Crouch has made it his mission to collect and propagate acorns to replenish local oak populations.

Starting as a solo operation in his Escondido backyard, Crouch nurtured seedlings for eight years before expanding his work via volunteer-staffed nurseries. The group now operates six nurseries, with a recently established site at La Cañada High School intended to serve Altadena, a community that lost about 70% of its tree canopy in the 2025 Eaton fire. The school nursery was initially cultivated by English teacher Daryl Bilandzija, a former student of Crouch's, who saw it as an educational opportunity for students while supporting the broader reforestation effort.

Oak trees serve as keystone species in California’s ecosystems, supporting diverse wildlife and playing a key role in carbon storage—an increasingly critical function amid climate change. Recognizing these benefits, Crouch collects acorns from private lands after obtaining permission from property owners, utilizing a hunting app to identify landholders. Volunteers assist with harvesting, planting, and nursery maintenance, a growing necessity as Crouch manages mobility challenges following a bicycle accident.

Scientific collaboration is a feature of Re-Oak California’s work. UCLA professor Victoria Sork, who specializes in oak tree genetics, is partnering with Crouch to apply DNA sequencing research toward planting acorns from trees identified as most resilient to California’s hotter, drier conditions. Sork emphasized the importance of connecting scientific knowledge with on-the-ground reforestation efforts, describing Crouch as a crucial link between research and community action.

In addition to the La Cañada nursery, Re-Oak California is launching a nursery in Santa Clarita, managed by 20-year-old volunteer Anderson Khalil, who discovered the organization through social media. An Irvine nursery is also planned, marking the group’s expansion into Orange County.

While oak trees grow slowly—often taking more than a decade to provide substantial canopy cover—advocates highlight the long-term ecological and community benefits of restoration efforts. Re-Oak California aims to plant 20,000 trees annually but currently relies on donations and volunteer labor to sustain operations. Crouch is working to formalize the group as a nonprofit to secure ongoing support.

Despite physical limitations, Crouch continues to coordinate volunteers and campaign for resources with a focus driven by passion rather than personal recognition. He expresses hope that increasing awareness of climate and environmental stakes will motivate sustained community involvement, even as the full results of these reforestation efforts will largely unfold beyond his lifetime.