Descanso Gardens recently broke ground on a series of interconnected projects designed to strengthen long-term water sustainability, improve wildfire readiness, and enhance habitat and visitor experiences across the Gardens.
At the center of the initiative is a new water reclamation system that will capture, store, and reuse millions of gallons of stormwater annually—while also creating a dedicated on-site water supply for fire suppression. The Stormwater Capture Project, Lake Restoration, and Nature Discovery Garden together represent a coordinated investment in environmental stewardship, public safety, and community engagement.
“Descanso Gardens is more than a garden – it’s a model for how Los Angeles County can integrate water sustainability, wildfire readiness, habitat restoration, and public education in one place. Showing how infrastructure, ecology, and community engagement can work together to address the challenges of a changing climate.”
Norma E. García-González, Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation.
Stormwater Capture Project
The Stormwater Capture Project establishes the foundation for long-term water resilience at Descanso Gardens.
A new underground cistern system will store approximately 1.5 million gallons of water and capture up to 21 million gallons of stormwater annually from a 256-acre watershed. Runoff from the Winery Canyon Channel will be diverted, filtered, and reused onsite for irrigation, lake replenishment, and habitat support—reducing reliance on imported potable water by up to 50 percent.
Beyond conservation, the system plays a critical role in fire preparedness by maintaining a significant on-site water reserve and dedicated hydrant connections for rapid emergency access.
Lake Restoration
The restoration of Descanso’s lake transforms it into a healthier ecological habitat and an integrated component of the Gardens’ water management system.
The revitalized lake will hold approximately 1.5 million gallons and will be directly supported by the stormwater capture system. Improvements will enhance water quality, circulation, and habitat diversity.
The lake will also support emergency response efforts. In combination with the cistern system, approximately 3 million gallons of water will be available onsite at any given time. The lake will be configured to support helicopter water drafting, allowing multiple firefighting methods to operate simultaneously.
Nature Discovery Garden
A place for young explorers, the Nature Discovery Garden reinforces Descanso’s commitment to education, inclusion, and a deep connection to the natural world.
- The Learning Pavilion: This multi-purpose shade structure will accommodate a wide range of programming for visitors of all ages.
- Chaparral Challenge: Adventure play area inspired by the chaparral foothills topography; includes slides, climbers, and landforms.
- Woodlands Discovery: Featuring meandering “secret” trails and “nest rooms” within the existing oak tree canopy.
- Cascade Canyon: Water play installation featuring a dry creek and splash zone.
Sensory Garden: Intended as a new and improved Harvest Garden, this space enables hands-on learning related to growing plants and agriculture. As a companion to the Lake Restoration, this three-acre immersive garden—located just beyond the lake—is designed to spark curiosity, ignite imagination, and invite children and families into meaningful experiences with nature.
The Nature Discovery Garden welcomes all children, from seasoned outdoor explorers to those just beginning to build confidence in green spaces. It will feature areas for climbing, jumping, listening, digging, and simply being present in nature—encouraging open-ended, sensory-rich discovery at every turn.
Environmental Impact and Project Team
Collectively, these projects will capture and reuse up to 21 million gallons of stormwater annually, reduce runoff into local waterways, and decrease dependence on imported water—while strengthening the Gardens’ ability to respond to wildfire threats.
The projects are led by the Descanso Gardens Foundation, with:
- Geosyntec Consultants (water resources engineering)
- RIOS (architecture and landscape design)
- Freeman Group (project management and construction)
- Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation (property owner and partner)
Groundbreaking took place on May 18, 2026, in the auxiliary parking lot, marking the start of excavation for the underground cistern. Completion for all projects is anticipated in late 2027.
Images: Courtesy of Descanso Gardens