Project Narrative

TNC's work in L.A. is located in and adjacent to some of the most park poor neighborhoods in the city. We are addressing water quality concerns, both for human communities and nature, through a natural infrastructure demonstration project that provides numerous co-benefits including increased access to open space and habitat enhancement at the L.A. River. In addition to improving water quality, this project will increase the surrounding communities' access to multi-benefit green infrastructure and the many benefits it provides. We will also leverage this project to develop a regional stormwater market that incentivizes green infrastructure across L.A. and increases water security for the region. Project activities 1. Educate Los Angeles policymakers and community stakeholders on the advantages for people and nature of natural infrastructure, native plants, and water resilience. 2. Create a demonstration project that shows that natural infrastructure can become the norm for stormwater capture and create a future where habitat is enhanced as stormwater is reused, limiting reliance on water from hundreds of miles away. 3. Lay the groundwork for an ambitious regional stormwater market that incentivizes developers and landowners to create nature-based solutions to capture stormwater, thereby improving Los AngelesÕ access to water. 4. Change the supply chain for locally sourced native plants so they are available for Los Angeles-area natural or green infrastructure projects through partnerships with a number of organizations, including Grown in LA.