The Region : Charred Hillsides Seeded

To reduce the threat of flooding and mudslides in foothill communities this winter, helicopters have spread ground-cover seed over the charred mountainside above Altadena. It was the second seed drop this month.

Winds that gusted up to 60 m.p.h. over the weekend of Nov. 13-14 blew off the first batch of seed, said U.S. Forest Service and soil conservation officials. They say the plants will help hold the soil in place and aid in the absorption of rain, reducing erosion and heavy runoff.

Officials said the rye grass, California poppy, deer weed and other seeds will take about another week to sprout.