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Altadena’s DENA Soil Project Plans Halloween Fest With Soil-Restoration Work

Published on Monday, October 19, 2026 | 5:23 am
 

[photo credit: Eventbrite]
The DENA Soil Project is organizing a Halloween festival and soil-restoration workday on a fire-impacted block in Altadena on Saturday, Oct. 31, combining volunteer activities with demonstrations for residents.

The Soil Remediation Halloween Fest is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 503 W. Terrace St.

The organizers said the gathering is free and open to all ages, with free parking.

The public program is expected to include a soil-microbe puppet show, a photo booth, games, lessons about compost and worms, and giveaways of plants and seeds, according to the Eventbrite announcement.

Organizers also list a disc jockey, free lunch and light refreshments.

A demonstration will introduce bioremediation, which uses microorganisms to break down certain contaminants, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

The volunteer portion centers on hands-on work and helping visitors understand soil conditions after the Eaton Fire. L.A. Works lists assignments that include assisting a scientist at a free soil-testing booth, making seed balls, distributing plants and supporting the puppet show, photo booth and remediation demonstration. The notice says tools and guidance will be provided, and volunteers do not need prior experience.

Although families with children may attend the festival, the L.A. Works opportunity requires volunteers to be at least 18. Some tasks may involve bending, lifting, raking or shoveling outdoors. Volunteers must wear closed-toe shoes; the posting also calls for clothing that covers the skin, including long pants and long sleeves. Registration for those roles is handled through L.A. Works rather than the general event listing.

The DENA Soil Project describes itself as a coalition of scientists, educators, environmental planners and community organizations formed after the Eaton Fire to help residents understand soil contamination and reach restoration resources. Los Angeles County public health testing found elevated lead in some soil samples from intact properties downwind of the fire; the department cautions that findings vary by property and do not establish that every site requires remediation.

The Eventbrite announcement names Altadena Seed Library, Altadena Earth Commons and LA Compost among the participating groups. Those signing up to volunteer must log in or register with L.A. Works; the volunteer listing says full directions will be emailed after registration.

NEED TO KNOW

Event: Soil Remediation Halloween Fest. When: Saturday, Oct. 31. Time: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cost: Free. Ages: All ages for festival; volunteers must be 18 or older. Where: 503 W. Terrace St., Altadena. Parking: Free. For more, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/soil-remediation-halloween-fest-tickets-2003422755392. For volunteer registration, visit https://volunteer.laworks.com/opportunity/a0CQg0000EBhSqvMQF/dena-soil-project-halloween-block-party-extravaganza.

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