The Central Arroyo Seco Stream has been restored as a pilot project to reestablish habitat for native fish such as the Arroyo chub, a native fish, which is classified as a Species of Special Concern by the California Department of Fish and Game. The Arroyo chub is a key indicator of riparian health and serves an important role in controlling mosquitoes. Boulders, fallen trees and logs, and sustainable design techniques were used to create pools needed for protection, resting areas and to increase plant life needed for food and egg-laying.  Upon completion of these pools, 300 Arroyo chub were relocated into the Arroyo Seco, under the direction of Fish and Game biologists.  Non-native plants were removed and native plants were planted along the slopes and banks of the stream to further enhance the native habitat.

Another element of this project was the creation of ten large planting islands in Brookside Parking Lot I. Asphalt was removed from thirty parking spaces and was replaced with permeable pavers and large planting areas of native trees and shrubs. These islands capture and filter stormwater runoff, cool the air and provide opportunities for wildlife.  In addition, 400 trash capture inserts were installed in storm basins along city streets to prevent trash and debris from entering the waters of the Arroyo Seco. 

These improvements, along with other enhancements to trails, banks and native habitats, will serve as a model for water quality improvements and stream restoration projects in Pasadena, the Los Angeles River watershed and throughout California.

The Central Arroyo Seco Stream Restoration project was funded by a $1.9 million grant from the California State Water Resources Control Board, with an additional $640,000 of in-kind support from the City of Pasadena. The project was a partnership between the Arroyo Seco Foundation, the City of Pasadena, and design/construction partner Camp Dresser McKee, Inc (CDM). 

For additional information on this project:
CASRP Trailhead Interpretive Signage (PDF)
The Arroyo Seco Foundation website at: http://www.arroyoseco.org/index.htm

From STAFF REPORTS, PASADENA NOW Tuesday, November 18

The Central Arroyo Stream Restoration Program (CASRP) has received a prestigious award from POWER (Public Officials for Water and Environmental Reform) at a banquet at the Pasadena Hilton Hotel. POWER, a statewide group of water officials and activists, honored the Arroyo Seco Foundation, the City of Pasadena, and design/construction partner Camp Dresser McKee, Inc (CDM) with their 2008 POWER Award, citing CASRP's innovation as a successful stream restoration project using a design/build collaboration and reintroducing the native Arroyo Chub fish into the urban waterway.

Accepting the Award at the annual California Water Policy Conference banquet were Meredith McKenzie, Watershed Sustainability Program Manager for the Arroyo Seco Foundation, Elise Jackson, Natural Resources Division of the Parks & Natural Resources Department, City of Pasadena, and Wendy Katagi, CASRP Project Manager for CDM.