ABOUT US
Purpose
The San Gabriel River Discovery Center is being planned
to complement the existing Whittier Narrows Nature Center
and enhance this unique site located on Durfee Avenue
within the Whittier Narrows Flood Control Basin and
Recreation Area in Los Angeles County [map].
The Discovery Center will present the story of the
San Gabriel River watershed, emphasize the importance
of water resources and the natural values of the watershed,
and provide educational and outdoor experiences for
people of all ages. The Center will also continue
the cultural, natural history and ecosystems messages;
and outdoor experiences presented by the L. A. County
Department of Parks and Recreation at the existing
Nature Center.
OUR MISSION STATEMENT:
The San Gabriel River Discovery Center is an educational resource that interprets the San Gabriel River watershed to encourage exploration and to increase understanding, appreciation, and stewardship of the revitalized San Gabriel River region.
Discovery Center Facilities
The development of the San Gabriel River Discovery
Center involves a highly collaborative process linking
numerous federal, state and local agencies in cooperation
with public institutions, private groups, and the local community. Click on Facilities to learn more about the proposed plan, project schedule and environmental process.
NOTE: The Schematic Design Report dated May 2006 is NOT the current plan for the proposed San Gabriel River Discovery Center Project.
Governance
The San Gabriel River Discovery Center Authority (SGRDCA)
is a Joint Powers Authority (JPA) established to oversee
the planning and operation of the Discovery Center.
The SGRDCA currently consists of the following agencies:
- Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District
- Central Basin Municipal Water District
- Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation
- San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy (RMC)
Community Involvement
The community is also involved in the creation
of the Discovery Center via the following stakeholder
committees:
- Stakeholder Advisory Committee
- Design/Display Committee (currently inactive)
- Fundraising Committee
Capital Campaign Program
Current contributions to the project include:
| Rivers and Mountains Conservancy | $3,000,000 |
| Upper San Gabriel Municipal Water District | $800,000 |
| Central Basin Municipal Water District | $750,000 |
| Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County | $100,000 |
| Sanitation Districts Supplemental Environmental Project | $2,200,000 |
| Los Angeles County 1st District Supervisor Gloria Molina | $3,000,000 |
| Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation | 0.5 acre site |
| U.S. Army Corps of Engineers | Balance of site: Appr. 11 acres |