The summit-to-sea Malibu Creek Ecosystem Restoration Project (MCERP) will remove Rindge Dam and return a key watershed back to its natural course — a challenging yet exciting project. Taking place within Malibu Creek State Park, the restoration project also includes sharing the rebuilding of the waterway with all who pass though. Project funding includes creating an interpretive site at a historic overlook where visitors will be able to view the dam removal, learn about the Malibu Creek watershed and its cultural history, all while taking in the area’s majestic beauty.
To imagine the possibilities of a creating such a site, CalTrout reached out to the UCLA Extension Landscape Architecture Program to help interpret the points of interest into a “stop the car!” experience with welcoming aesthetics and engaging displays.
Program Director Stephanie V. Landregan and her 3rd year students attended a MCERP design blitz at King Gillette Ranch Visitor Center to learn about the project goals and the Santa Monica Mountain’s cultural history from several individuals from different organizations: CalTrout South Coast Senior Project manager, Russell Marlow, Barbara Tejada, Supervisor of the Cultural Resources Program at State Parks, Science and Policy Director Katherine Pease from Heal the Bay and Watershed Scientist Tevin Schmitt from Wishtoyo Chumash Foundation discussed the project’s cultural, historical and ecological components.
Students then visited Sheriff’s Overlook, located on Malibu Canyon Road to brainstorm and conceptualize designs for interpreting the watershed’s ecology and native species migration patterns, indigenous communities, and dam history. They worked in three teams performing site analysis and presenting their concepts of how they would create an enriching and inspirational experience. And how they delivered!
Design concepts from the teams included creating trail access, native plant landscaping enhancements providing shade, seating areas, creating sculptures from dam materials and signage. This design blitz was the first natural study held to kick off the planning, engineering, and design (PED) phase of the Malibu Creek Ecosystem Restoration Project. California State Parks and CalTrout are managing the PED project phase.
Have an idea? Let us know what you’d like to see!
Hear from Program Director Stephanie V. Landregan about the creative process in UCLA Extension Landscape Architecture Program.
Learn more about the Malibu Creek Ecosystem Restoration Project at restoremalibucreek.org and sign up for our Malibu Creekside newsletter below. Follow @restoremalibucreek on Instagram for even more updates!
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Cover Photo Credit: Bernard Yin
