Students Imagine Possibilities for Public to Experience Malibu Creek Restoration
Interpretive Transformation https://caltrout.org/news
The summit-to-sea Malibu Creek Ecosystem Restoration Project (MCERP), removing Rindge Dam and returning a key watershed back to its natural course, is a challenging yet exciting project. Taking place within Malibu Creek State Park, restoration plans also include 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 charette at King Gillette Ranch Visitor Center to learn about the project goals and the Santa Monica Mountain’s cultural history from several 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.
Student 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!
Light on the Land: This concept was developed with a low impact approach at the center, prioritizing access to view corridors for all parties; preserves existing native vegetation as a site feature; offering trail access to the lowest terrace (currently inaccessible); educational signage and guided experience; addresses historical and ecological elements.
Performance Objectives: Develop a design solution that prioritizes safe and equitable access to May K Rindge Scenic Overlook off of Malibu Canyon Rd where community members can view the decommissioning of a defunct dam and the restoration of Malibu Creek in real time, and future generations can enjoy sweeping views of the creek and canyon while learning about the natural and cultural history of the site.
Witnessing History in the Making: Decades of scientific research and environmental advocacy and legislative policy work have made possible this moment to remove old infrastructure to make way for our non-human relatives - the Southern California Steelhead. Observe this dam as it is dismantled, and the watershed restored to its natural free flowing state. Please enjoy this powerful moment, and know that soon this dam will be but a memory.
Design concepts from the teams included creating trail access, native plant landscaping enhancements providing shade, seating areas, creating sculptures from dam materials and signage.
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.
