University of Southern California

This project focuses on Rainbow Canyon as a test case for a model of community-led stormwater stewardship for LA County. In Los Angeles’s water future, every watershed matters. So, this project acts to help the city reduce dependence on imported water while improving water quality.

The challenge of Rainbow Canyon is that rainstorms are carving an ever-deepening channel through the canyon floor, sending sediment onto the streets below. This year’s TEST PLOT project, one in a series of landscape interventions, began with sensory site exercises and a community workshop that attuned participants to the canyon. After researching Rainbow Canyon’s water history and future, the team shared their work at a community land-care event featuring in-situ exhibits and collective planting. The project developed a conceptual master plan (at 50%) and installed low-impact, nature-based water solutions. But the real power of the project lies in gathering community—creating moments where care for land, water, and shared futures becomes tangible.

Faculty Lead:
Alexander Robinson

Students:
Anh Bui, Sara Eyassu, Josiah Hickman, Angelina Ludena, Zoelli Ortiz, Sai Ravikumar, Navid Rodd, Alejandro Vasquez, Jianye Wang, Haleluya Wondwosen, Jianjun Xu, Jiya Yuan

Collaborating Partner:
Test Plot, Community Nature Connection, Mount Washington Alliance, Council for Watershed Health, Water Foundation, Rose Foundation

Aligned LA County Sustainability Plan Goals:
Goal 1: Resilient and healthy community environments where residents thrive in place. Goal 2: Buildings and infrastructure that support human health and resilience. Goal 5: Thriving ecosystems, habitats, and biodiversity. Goal 6: Accessible parks, beaches, recreational waters, public lands, and public spaces that create opportunities for respite, recreation, ecological discovery, and cultural activities. Goal 12: A commitment to realize OurCounty sustainability goals through creative, equitable, and coordinated funding and partnerships.

Premiere Segment

Pitch deck

Photos