Calabasas to begin restoration of Las Virgenes Creek
City banks on hope that the changes will bring Mother Nature back

BEFORE AND AFTER- Las Virgenes Creek at Agoura Road in Calabasas will soon be restored to its natural state. Above, the creek as it looks now is confined by barren concrete embankments. Below right, an artist's rendering shows the completed restoration, which promises to concentrate on creek water quality, wildlife protection and the creation of trails to make the creek accessible.

The California Coastal Conservancy has approved a $327,000 grant application submitted by the city of Calabasas to finance the Las Virgenes Creek Restoration project. These funds, coupled with $187,000 from the Department of Water Resources and $515,000 from the State Water Resource Control Board, will allow the city to go forward with the long-planned creek restoration.

In 1977, more than 250 feet of Las Virgenes Creek between the 101 Freeway and the Agoura Road Bridge was lined with concrete that has since degraded and polluted the natural habitat.

The project will restore a segment of Las Virgenes Creek to its native condition and re-establish the ecosystem and tributary to the Malibu Creek and lagoon.

Photos courtesy city of Calabasas

"The city of Calabasas is very pleased to have received sufficient grant monies to pursue our long-standing goal of restoring Las Virgenes Creek to its natural condition within our borders," said Calabasas Mayor James Bozajian. "The completion of this project will underscore our commitment toward maintaining a delicate environmental balance in the Las Virgenes Valley."

The work includes creek water quality enhancement, the creation of footpaths and trails, wildlife protection, public outreach and education and the restoration of an environmentally harmonious water channel.

The Malibu Creek watershed provides habitats for numerous species, including steelhead trout, the southwestern pond turtle, Arroyo toad, Pacific tree frog, American goldfinches, song sparrows, coyotes and mountain lions.

"This approval could not have been made possible without the hard work of all individuals, groups and agencies that supported the project," said Alex Farassati, Calabasas environmental services manager.

Now that funds are available the city plans to put the project out for bidding with hopes of starting the work sometime in July.