Urban Rivers

The Coolest Places of All

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Every spot of earth where water flows can support thriving soil and plants—no matter how small. Underutilized easements that run along narrow concrete stream channels might accommodate trails and small parklets that might capture rain, support greenery, and offer respite from busier urban places.

Waterways Welcome All Species

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Wetlands and streams support more kinds of life than any other habitat, but less than 5% of these original habitats remain across Los Angeles County[1]. Hundreds of species still depend upon them, and it is up to us to welcome these species back to the land in which they once thrived.

The Urban Rivers greenscape includes parcels adjacent to the major Gateway Cities waterways including the Lower Compton Creek, Lower Los Angeles River, San Gabriel River, Rio Hondo and Coyote Creek. These parcels are classified as vacant land, industrial, commercial, or mixed-use residential commercial, but exclude private housing (except for mobile home communities). Parcels were prioritized based on a 'distance shed'— which means giving priority to segments of the rivers that require walking a further distance to an existing trailhead. Ideally, community members would have access to river trails at least every quarter mile.

By focusing on these often neglected river-adjacent parcels, we can create 'front-facing' river amenities, including adding trail heads, pocket parks, and rest stops — and building awareness of urban rivers as spaces to bike, walk, and experience a more natural environment. Scroll around and zoom into the map to see Urban Rivers parcels throughout the Gateway Cities region. You can also use the layers panel (top left) to toggle on and off all greenscape types. Where are the opportunities in your neighborhood?

The south bank of the County-operated Valleyheart Greenway in Studio City was the second stretch of vegetated greenway developed along the Los Angeles River in the City of LA. The project was the result of working directly with local school children, who inspired the art, design elements, and layout of a small oasis of habitat by maximizing the area covered by healthy soil, native plants, and permeable surfaces which maximize natural benefits, while minimizing impacts and costs of more intensive interventions.

“The process we implemented is as important to document as the plans and recommendations. Participants learned about the river; they learned about watershed issues including stormwater management, and were provided with tools to integrate these elements into an actual plan for the Valleyheart Greenway. They helped craft a plan that includes interpretive features, paths for both bicycles and pedestrians, community gathering areas, and native habitat areas to attract butterflies, pollinating insects and hummingbirds." — The River Project