Money found for interpretive center

Funds will also help restore
habitat for wildlife




Funds will also help restore
habitat for wildlife


Seven acres at Headwaters Corner on Mulholland Highway and Old Topanga Canyon Road in Calabasas have been identified to house a new interpretive center that will teach the management practices for living or working near a natural resource, such as the Los Angeles River.


The city of Calabasas and the nonprofit Mountains Restoration Trust (MRT) recently obtained $876,000 from the state in a joint effort to complete the acquisition and stream restoration of Dry Canyon Creek, a perennial Santa Monica Mountains headwater of the L.A. River.


"Now that we’ve completed the purchase, we are able to take the next major step in planning the site as an interpretive center," said Calabasas Mayor James Bozajian.


Money for the project come from Proposition 12 state funds, which will be earmarked for 15 park and open space projects in L.A. County.


Each site will explain its relationship regarding the L.A. River.


"It’s important to educate residents on how best to live with nature to ensure that Calabasas retains its rural character," Bozajian said.


Headwaters Corner includes six distinct ecosystems, a loop trail and an 1890s homestead house that’s expected to be the environmental education center.


Calabasas and Mountains Restoration Trust will also use its state funds to restore native habitat for bobcats, coyotes, mountain lions, foxes and other animals and birds that live there, officials said.


"The partnership between Calabasas and MRT allowed us to pool our expertise and resources to implement the grand scope of the Headwaters Corner project," said Mountains Restoration Trust board chairman Mark Lamken.


"It may take a few years to complete," Lamken said, "but we have a good head start with the funding and planning provided by our joint efforts."


—Michael Picarella



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