How the Arrival of an Endangered Bird Indicates What’s Possible for the L.A. River

Nestled along the gentle bends of the Los Angeles River in an area known as Taylor Yard, a distinct high-pitched call rises above the urban clamor. This is the song of the least Bell’s vireo, a small olive-gray bird that is native to Southern California. Once classified as endangered and absent for more than four decades, this little songbird is now making a remarkable return, heralding a brighter future for the previously overlooked waterway.

Historically, before the urban sprawl reshaped the Los Angeles River Basin, the wetlands flanking the river served as an ideal habitat for the vireo. Unfortunately, the development of a rail yard led to a significant drop in its population. However, recent years have seen a resurgence of the bird. The establishment of Rio de Los Angeles State Park in 2007 was pivotal, with sightings of the vireo in the early 2010s marking its return. Today, the sighting of nesting pairs and fledglings in the area serves as a hopeful indicator of the species’ recovery.

Under the leadership of Evelyn Serrano, the Audubon Center at Debs Park has been diligently working to restore Taylor Yard, creating an environment conducive to the vireo’s survival. Through the planting of native trees and the development of a riparian ecosystem, the center has fostered conditions that allow the vireo to thrive in its natural surroundings.

The resurgence of the least Bell’s vireo underscores the potential for a more natural Los Angeles River. With the 100 Acre Partnership aiming to finalize the revitalization of Taylor Yard by 2028, the city has a unique chance to cultivate essential habitats for its native species. This initiative is part of a broader vision to transform Los Angeles into a more sustainable and wildlife-friendly metropolis.

What Was Lost

Before transforming into an entertainment powerhouse, Los Angeles was defined by its river.

The river, stretching 51 miles, once sustained a rich ecosystem across an expansive 871-square-mile watershed. Indigenous tribes settled along its banks, utilizing the water to support agriculture and their communities. However, as urban development surged, flood control measures altered the river’s natural flow, resulting in habitat loss and environmental damage.

Today, endeavors to restore the Los Angeles River and its surrounding ecosystems instill hope for a more sustainable future. By reconnecting with the city’s natural roots and safeguarding its biodiversity, projects like the 100 Acre Partnership strive to rejuvenate the river ecosystem and bolster its native wildlife.

In 1930, the river faced a pivotal moment when Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. proposed a plan to create parks and public spaces along the river, incorporating green flood prevention strategies. Unfortunately, the plan was hindered by the stock market crash that same year. Following two devastating floods in 1934 and 1938, the Army Corps of Engineers began encasing the L.A. River in concrete, completing this extensive project in 1960. Despite numerous challenges, Olmsted’s vision remains a testament to what Los Angeles could have been, as noted by Ben Harris, a senior staff attorney at Los Angeles Waterkeeper.

Over time, the river faded from the consciousness of many Angelenos, but the founding of Friends of the L.A. River by Lewis MacAdams in 1986 rekindled interest in the waterway. MacAdams envisioned a revitalized river where wildlife and humans could coexist, advocating relentlessly for the river’s recognition as a natural resource. His efforts culminated in protections under the U.S. Clean Water Act in 2010.

A key advancement in the river’s restoration is the transformation of Taylor Yard, a former rail yard acquired by the City of L.A. in 2017. The development of Paseo del Rio park at Taylor Yard, managed by the 100 Acre Partnership, aims to reconnect the community with the river while providing crucial habitats for native species. However, the industrial legacy of the site poses challenges in terms of pollution remediation, which the partnership is actively addressing. Collaboration between the Department of Toxic Substances Control and the 100 Acre Partnership is vital to establish a cleanup plan for Taylor Yard, ensuring the site is safe for new habitats. Once an agreement is reached, the project can progress rapidly, showcasing the L.A. River’s potential in time for the 2028 Games. The focus is on developing a natural environment that coexists with the river’s engineered purpose, balancing human needs with those of wildlife. While opinions may differ on the best approach to utilize the river, Taylor Yard represents a unique opportunity for revitalization without the controversies that accompany other restoration projects. The ongoing debate surrounding the future of the L.A. River involves various stakeholders advocating for different strategies to balance flood management with environmental restoration. Despite these discussions, the prospect of a more natural and resilient river is attainable, with unprecedented federal funding available to invest in green infrastructure. As conversations evolve regarding the river’s future, restoring this iconic waterway for generations to come remains a crucial priority. “They come here to reflect,” Baldauf reflects. “The presence of nature within the city and the sight of a majestic great blue heron flying right above us.”

As discussions about the river’s future continue to unfold in both legal and public spheres, restoration plans are advancing. Projects like the Los Angeles River Fish Passage and Habitat Structures Design Project are underway to facilitate the return of steelhead trout. Moreover, the Friends of the L.A. River’s Great L.A. River Cleanup, which is the largest urban river cleanup event in the nation, attracts thousands of volunteers each year, all working toward revitalizing the river.

While Taylor Yard remains a focal point for restoration initiatives, other areas along the river are also evolving into more natural settings. The Dominguez Gap Wetlands in Long Beach now serve as a habitat for local flora and fauna; Urban Orchard, a 30-acre passive park in South Gate, features fruit trees lining the riverbanks; the Tujunga Wash Greenway and Stream Restoration Project aids in recharging the San Fernando Valley Groundwater Basin; and bioswales in Caballero Creek Park function as natural stormwater pollution filters.

These enhancements provide valuable opportunities for the river’s native wildlife, including the resilient vireo, to flourish once again within the urban landscape of Los Angeles.

“We are part of nature, and we coexist with nature—even the nature we have created for ourselves,” Serrano muses.