A River Runs through It …Again
Once it was called the Porciuncula river, and its meandering path from its sources in the mountains which
flank the San Fernando valley, through the Glendale Narrows and on to Long Beach where it meets the sea
provided water and sustenence for the many Gabrielino Indian villages on its changing banks. Rapid urbanization
of Los Angeles in the first quarter of the 20th century and a series of devastating floods in the 1930’s prompted
the Army Corps of Engineers to transform the river into the concrete lined “Los Angeles Flood Control Channel”.
The river truly lost its identity in more ways than its name.
In 1986, a non profit organization, Friends of the Los Angeles River, was founded. Its mission statement
“To Protect and restore the natural and historic heritage of the Los Angeles River and its riparian habitat through
inclusive planning, education and wise stewardship”.
Recently, Rick Magnus and Ron Harrison gave me a tour of a section where the riverbed no longer has concrete.
Noise from the Interstate Highway 5 which paralles this section is masked by the river which is now allowed
to flow naturally. Water percolates into the mud riverbed, replenishing the aquifers.
Large carp are a delight to The Atwater fishing club, with a catch and release program
This May 17th is an opportunity to participate in a cleanup of the river’s banks and learn more about
its ecology. For further resources and information, contact the Friends of the Los Angeles River
http://www.folar.org/
What a beautiful place! My brother lives in the LA area and I’m going to ask him to go take a look for me. Thanks for sharing.
Comment by Melanie — 24. April 2008 @ 04:05
What an amazing transformation!
Comment by Amy — 24. April 2008 @ 04:50
Hi Amy,
Hi Melanie, the section featured is between Glendale blvd. and Los Feliz Blvd in Atwater.
Best,
Philip
Comment by admin — 25. April 2008 @ 01:00
Astonishing!
Esther
ESTHER IN THE GARDEN
Comment by Esther Montgomery — 25. April 2008 @ 20:30
The first time I looked at the photos I didn’t even notice the powerlines in the background. It’s wonderful that they untamed the tame. Looks better wild again.
Comment by Anna — 28. April 2008 @ 07:07
Hi Esther, Hi Anna,
Thanks for your comments!
This was my Earthday post. It is hopeful that polluted areas can be green again and we can learn from our envioronmental mistakes. Here a balance is struck with flood control needs and wildlike concerns. There were lots of ducks the day we visited.
Cheers!
Philip
Comment by admin — 28. April 2008 @ 23:47
Wow. Who knew?? I will let my daughter know. Maybe she will help out in May! Thanks, Philip!
Comment by Kathry/plantwhateverbringsyoujoy.com — 29. April 2008 @ 01:52