“Melanie Winter’s Fight to Restore the Los Angeles River: A Story of Passion, Persistence, and Purpose”
Melanie Winter, the leader of the River Project, a nonprofit group advocating for the restoration of natural waterways in Los Angeles, embarked on a canoe trip along the Los Angeles River in the Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area. The serene setting, with tall cottonwood trees, willows, and swallows soaring overhead, provided a glimpse of what the river once was and what it could be again.
Winter, who has been championing the restoration of the city’s heavily engineered channels for nearly three decades, envisions a future where nature thrives along the riverbanks. Despite facing resistance from engineers and local officials who prefer traditional hard-infrastructure approaches, Winter remains steadfast in her mission to rewild portions of the river and create a healthier city.
However, Winter’s battle for the river’s restoration has taken a personal turn as she was diagnosed with lung cancer. Despite undergoing chemotherapy and medical treatments, Winter continues to advocate for nature-based solutions along the river. She sees her illness as an opportunity to gain perspective and deepen her gratitude for the work she does.
Winter’s vision for the Los Angeles River includes restoring natural riverine areas to recharge groundwater, reduce flood risks, and create a network of park spaces that benefit biodiversity and public health. By “multisolving” through nature-based solutions, Winter believes Los Angeles can heal its dysfunctional relationship with its waterways and adapt to climate change.
Despite setbacks in her efforts to transform the Sepulveda Basin into a world-class river park, Winter remains undeterred. She draws inspiration from historical plans and small-scale projects that capture rainwater and promote infiltration into the soil. Her work has inspired graduate students and river scientists who see her vision as a beacon of hope for the future of the Los Angeles River.
As Winter navigates her personal health challenges and continues to advocate for the restoration of the river, she hopes that her work will inspire others to challenge the status quo and embrace nature-based solutions. Through her dedication and passion, Winter envisions a future where the Los Angeles River becomes a living, thriving ecosystem once again.