JiYeun Kang / National Geographic / Can Wildflowers Heal the Toxic Mess the L.A. Fires Left Behind?

For National Geographic’s September 2026 issue, illustrator Jiyeun Kang created a series of illustrations for Dana Goodyear’s article, “Can Wildflowers Heal the Toxic Mess the L.A. Fires Left Behind?” The six-page feature explores how native wildflowers may help restore toxic soil left behind by the January 2025 Los Angeles wildfires, while also examining how the regrowth of native plants can bring a sense of hope and renewal to affected communities. Kang’s illustrations visualize this process through a lead image and a series of spot illustrations featuring seed bombs and the gradual emergence of native plants. Beginning with a more muted, fire-affected landscape, the imagery gradually introduces richer color and blooming wildflowers, reflecting the story’s movement from devastation toward recovery and renewal.

Art Director: Madison Tran