Duarte, CA Encanto Nature Walk Bioswale Project

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Duarte, CA, US

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Type: Program

Status: Initiated in 2006

Source File: http://www.accessduarte.com/GeneralInformation/latestnews.asp?NewsPage=212

Description:

The City of Duarte has received a $507,990 grant from the San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountain Conservancy (RMC) for the development of the Encanto Nature Walk Bioswale and Outdoor Nature Classroom project.

The creation of a 1,000 foot long bioswale along the western perimeter of City-owned Encanto Park to begin construction this summer is the initial step in a larger multi-faceted project that will open up educational and recreational opportunities for visitors to the park and the adjacent San Gabriel River.

In 2006, the RMC provided the City with a $150,000 planning grant for the bioswale project that will include interpretive signage, native landscaping and a small infiltration basin to manage storm runoff from the park.

Other components of the Encanto Nature Walk will include:

A small outdoor nature center with interpretive displays and an outdoor classroom to be located at the south end of Encanto Park, funded with $100,000 from Proposition A funds from Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich.

A nature trail, with interpretive exhibits leading from the nature center along the west bank of the San Gabriel River to a view point located at the end of a berm which projects into the river channel. A principal objective of the project will be to enhance connections between the park and the river.

Removal of a chain link fence and screen of non-native plants which currently serves to isolate visitors from the attractive river environment. Los Angeles County Supervisor Gloria Molina provided $150,000 in Proposition A funds toward the project.

Total cost for the design and development of the Encanto Nature Walk/Bioswale Project is $1,037,307. All but $70,000 has been raised, including Duarte’s contribution totaling $55,000.

“The Encanto Nature Walk is destined to be one of the jewels in the regional Emerald Necklace Project,” said Deputy City Manager Karen Herrera.

The City will involve at-risk youth in the project by contracting with the Los Angeles Conservation Corps for construction of the river trail and viewpoint. Work will begin in September 2008 with a dedication of the project expected by Spring 2009 to coincide with the City’s annual Wilderness Day celebration.

Duarte’s street maintenance staff will provide long term maintenance for the project and will receive training for native landscape maintenance from Amigos de los Rios.