Glendale Narrows

Glendale Narrows

The Glendale Narrows is a scenic 11 mile (17.7 km) section of the Los Angeles River adjacent to Griffith Park, Los Feliz, Atwater Village, and Elysian Valley.^[1] It is one of four sections of the Los Angeles River that has an earthen bottom. As a result, the area is popular with local fishermen and birdwatchers. Los Feliz Blvd., Glendale Blvd. and Fletcher Dr. all cross Glendale Narrows. There is also a footbridge between Sunnynook River Park and Atwater Village, south of Los Feliz Blvd.^[2] Starting points include Elysian Valley Bicycle & Pedestrian Path, Glendale Narrows River Walk, North Atwater Creek Restoration & Park and Marsh Park.^[3]

Elysian Valley Bicycle & Pedestrian Path

The 7.4 mile Elysian Valley Bicycle & Pedestrian Path is a section of the L.A. River bike path that runs along the Glendale Narrows through Elysian Valley, Atwater Village, Griffith Park and Glendale.^[4] Starting points are at Riverside Dr. & Victory Blvd. in Burbank and Egret Park in Elysian Valley. There are numerous parks along the path including Egret Park, Oso Park, Steelhead Park, Duck Park, Riverdale Mini-Park, Marsh Park, Rattlesnake Park, Crystal Park, Sunnynook River Park, Rio de Los Angeles State Park and Griffith Park.^[5]

Flora and Fauna

The Narrows have a range of bird species, including the great egret, snowy egret, great blue heron, green heron,^[6] black-crowned night heron, double-crested cormorant, American white pelican, mallard, cinnamon teal, northern shoveler, American coot, black-necked stilt, greater yellowlegs, spotted sandpiper, killdeer, black phoebe, red-winged blackbird, and the introduced Muscovy duck.^[7][8] It also serves as a stopover for migrating birds such as the Canada goose. Although the Glendale Narrows has a wide variety of birds, hunting is illegal. Violators are subject to a $550 fine.

Among the fish and crustaceans found in the area are introduced species such as common carp, largemouth bass, tilapia, green sunfish, black bullhead, catfish, fathead minnow, mosquito fish, and crawfish. Historically, the Narrows were home to native populations of rainbow trout. Due to the abundance of marine life, fishing is legal year round.

The Narrows also serve as a water source for many other animals which include white-tailed deer, domesticated horse, king snake, and beaver. Before development in the 20th century, animals such as mountain lion, Mexican gray wolf, and the extinct California grizzly bear also relied on the river. The indigenous Tongva people used the river as a vital resource.

References

^[1]

1. ↑ Los Angeles River Ecosystem Restoration Integrated Feasibility Report. Los Angeles: US Army Corps of Engineers Los Angeles District. September 2013. p. 25.