Reimagining urban rivers
Using breakthrough visual tools and environmental data to redesign the L.A. River—so that it meets the demands of a 21st-century climate and serves those who live on its banks.
USC Launched 2022
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L.A. River observatory
Soon, Angelenos will be able to explore this rich river data: we’re building a new L.A. River Observatory website that will share live data on water, habitat, and more.
The L.A. River Observatory is using drone surveys, river monitoring, and flow data to track how the river changes over time—including during extreme rain events. By making this information public, we’ll give government agencies, nonprofits, and communities the tools to design smarter restoration projects and build evidence for nature-based solutions in rivers across L.A. and beyond.
Data Collection Efforts
Water flow
We track how much water moves through the river and how quickly
Vegetation mapping
We map where vegetation grows, and what species are represented
Water depth
We measure river depth to understand how severe weather will stress existing infrastructure
Ecosystem monitoring
We study whether the river can serve as habitat for species like steelhead trout
Water temperature
We examine how a cooler river could expand habitat potential
Biodiversity measurements
We use the river’s soundscape to learn which species are present and how they interact
Recent Updates
Push to save trees damaged by the Eaton Fire
Ahead of Olympics, ShadeLA to expand shade across city
Can we turn our water infrastructure into a climate solution?
New team will brainstorm ways to provide more shade in L.A. ahead of major events
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