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Los Angeles River

The Los Angeles River once defined life in the region, but winter rains often brought dramatic and unpredictable flash floods. After a devastating flood in 1938, Angelenos demanded flood control measures, resulting in the Army Corps of Engineers' work over the next 30 years to essentially transform the river into a storm drain. In recent decades, work on the Los Angeles River has moved from flood control to conservation, as advocacy groups and individuals have taken on the task of preserving and restoring the river and its wildlife. Now the LA River Master Plan reimagines the river of the future, while communities and stakeholders work to ensure that their needs are met.

Los Angeles River | U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Watch Video
Earth Focus: Reimagining the Los Angeles River

Designs by local visionaries hope to transform the channel in new ways that benefit both the environment and people. But some residents along the river wonder if these changes will bring more harm than good to their communities.
The Future of the River
Hear from advocates and stakeholders guiding river revitalization and working to have their voices heard.

Part Two: Transforming the Los Angeles River

A transformed L.A. River is envisioned by the communities that live at its edge. In the process, residents also must reconcile with the river channel's past. From artists in Elysian Valley, to store owners in Chinatown, to Indigenous leaders, these communities are working to ensure everyone is included in new plans for the river's 51 miles.

History & Culture

Edward Koehn, Chief of flood control design for the Los Angeles district, explains the model to colleagues, 1948. Courtesy of the Los Angeles Public Library.
Earth Focus
A Brief History of The Army Corps and the L.A. River
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Earth Focus
What's Taking L.A. River Revitalization So Long?
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Los Angeles Flood of 1938: The Destruction Begins
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Los Angeles Flood of 1938: Cementing the River's Future
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Artbound
A Brief History of Public Art and the L.A. River
Herald Express river joke duo with kids
Earth Focus
Poking Fun at the L.A. River
Graffiti on the L.A. River 1999 I Photo by Juan Devis
Earth Focus
Getting Up, Staying Up: History of Graffiti in the L.A. River
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Earth Focus
A Home by the River for Women at Work
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Artbound
From the River: Michael Kolster's Handmade Photographs
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Earth Focus
A Morning Coffee Ritual at the L.A. River
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Ecology & Revitalization

Taylor Yard (large) | Courtney Cecale
Taylor Yard: A Green Metropolis
American White Pelicans: LA River Birds
Earth Focus
The Los Angeles River, a Surprising Oasis for Birds
A freeway overpass at the edge of the L.A. River is both an unlikely and perfect place to have an exhibition and screening. Photo courtesy of EYCEJ.
Earth Focus
South East L.A. Reclaims Their Part of the L.A. River
River of Willows
Earth Focus
The Willows of the Los Angeles River
LA River Birds: Blacknecked Stilt
Earth Focus
Concrete, A Necessary Evil In the L.A. River's Ecosystem
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Earth Focus
The Mayfly: This James Dean of Insects is Good News for the L.A. River
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Earth Focus
Frogtown: Should It Be Called Toadtown Instead?
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Earth Focus
The 98 Million-Gallon "Trickle": Water Conservation Projects
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Earth Focus
Integrating Arts and Culture into LA River Revitalization
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Earth Focus
Imagining a Network of Native Plant Nurseries for the L.A. River
Los Angeles River Arbor Study Video Thumbnail
Earth Focus
$1.3 Billion L.A. River Habitat Restoration Plan Unanimously Approved in D.C.

Recreation

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Earth Focus
Today is a Good Day: Three Ways to Enjoy the L.A. River
L.A. River on a kayak
The L.A. River, In a Kayak?
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Earth Focus
L.A. River Excursion: Sixth Street Bridge
L.A. River Expeditions launches kayaks for its tours along the Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area. | Sandi Hemmerlein
SoCal Wanderer
Seven Neighborhood Gems Along the L.A. River
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L.A. River Excursion: Frogtown West Bank
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L.A. River Excursion: Bette Davis Picnic Area
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L.A. River Excursion: Tujunga Wash Greenway
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L.A. River Excursion: Sepulveda Basin's East and West Bank
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Artbound
Play the LA River: Using Games to Engage Open Spaces
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L.A. River Excursion: Burbank East Bank, Rancho Equestrian District
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