WHERE can we help?

Let’s start close to home and think big. A satellite map lets us look down on Earth like a bird!

Satellite map

Zoom in and look around. Green places have lots of plants. Brown places are dry or bare. Gray places have buildings and roads. Tap a fire to learn about it.

Fires: Fires this year Famous past fires

New fire (started in the last two weeks)
Burn scar (burned earlier this year, now healing)
Famous past fire (big fire from an earlier year)
Our school (El Rincon Elementary, home of the Rockets)
Bigger mark = bigger fire.

Zoom with my mouse wheel

Looking for fires…

Click a flame or a burned area to meet the animals that might live there and learn how fire changes their home.

Make your own pin: Click or tap anywhere on the map to mark a place you want to study. Your pins stay on this computer.

Why this spot?

Is it a good spot? Use the checklist!

Scientists ask questions before they plant. Check each one off as you think about it.

Do we have permission? Ask the people who take care of the land.
How much sun does it get? Many native plants love sunshine.
Is the ground flat or steep? Steep hills can wash away in the rain.
Where would water come from? Rain, a creek, or a hose?
What is growing there now? Look for plant bullies. Check the plant guide.
Who lives there? Look for birds, bees, butterflies, and other animals.

Ask an expert! A plant expert can tell us which plants and places are best. Native plant nurseries, nature centers, and park rangers love to help kids.

Next up: see WHAT you can do and HOW to do it.