PUSD Pauses Tree Removal After Report of Active Bird Nest at Education Center

(File Photo – Steve Levy)

The Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) has temporarily halted tree removal work at its Education Center after a community member reported the presence of an active bird nest in a tree slated for removal as part of ongoing Eaton Fire recovery efforts.

By News Desk

In a statement to the community, district officials reaffirmed their commitment to restoring safe and healthy campuses following the Eaton Fire while complying with all environmental regulations and wildlife protection requirements.

According to PUSD, contractors involved in 11 fire-related contaminated soil remediation projects have agreed to fully comply with applicable environmental laws. The district said contractors are trained to identify active bird nests and are prohibited from removing trees that contain them.

After receiving the community report, PUSD immediately paused tree removal activities at the Education Center and hired a qualified wildlife biologist to assess the identified tree. The biologist will also inspect other trees within fire-affected contaminated soil areas at the Education Center and conduct reviews at additional school campuses where tree removal is planned.

District officials said the review reflects both legal obligations and PUSD’s commitment to carrying out recovery work responsibly and transparently.

At the same time, the district noted that it faces a complex timeline as it works to make school facilities available for summer programs while ensuring campuses are safe for students and staff when the new school year begins.

“We appreciate the passion our community has shown for both the safety of our campuses and the preservation of the natural environment that makes them special,” the district said.

PUSD also urged residents to avoid entering closed work zones, emphasizing that soil within the restricted areas has been identified as containing fire-related contaminants at levels considered harmful to health and safety. Officials warned that entering these sites constitutes trespassing and may expose individuals to environmental hazards.

The district noted that trees marked for removal are located within these contaminated areas and asked community members to stay out of the work zones while environmental and safety teams complete their assessments and remediation efforts.

PUSD said it will continue providing updates to the community as recovery work progresses. Additional information is available on the district’s school restoration webpage.