L.A. County Begins $63.7 Million Restoration of Arboretum Lakes

Baldwin Lake at the Los Angeles County Arboretum before restoration, with a rendering of its planned transformation. (Photo: Diandra Jay/LA County)

Los Angeles County has begun a $63.7 million restoration of Baldwin Lake and Tule Pond at the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.

By News Desk

The project is intended to improve water quality, restore wildlife habitat, expand stormwater capture and strengthen the Arboretum’s ability to withstand flooding. It will also return Baldwin Lake to its historic depth while preserving the site’s cultural and ecological character.

“This $63.7 million investment will protect a place that is part of the identity of the San Gabriel Valley and ensure it thrives for generations to come,” Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger said at a groundbreaking ceremony. “We are investing in cleaner water, greater flood resilience, environmental restoration and the long-term future of the Arboretum.”

Baldwin Lake is considered the ecological center of the Arboretum. It provides habitat for resident birds and serves as a stopover for migratory species traveling along the Pacific Flyway. Its location in the heavily urbanized San Gabriel Valley makes it an important refuge for wildlife.

The restoration will include improvements to water quality, habitat conditions and stormwater management. County officials said the project also will help protect the historic water bodies from future environmental and infrastructure challenges.

The construction budget is being funded through several county programs:

• $8 million from the Los Angeles County Flood Control District
• $8.5 million from the Safe Clean Water Regional Program
• $46.2 million from the Safe Clean Water District Program
• $1 million from the Regional Park and Open Space District’s Proposition A Program

“Baldwin Lake’s value extends far beyond the Arboretum,” said Norma E. García-González, director of the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation. “It is a critical refuge for wildlife in our highly urbanized region, providing essential habitat and an important stopover for migratory birds traveling along the Pacific Flyway.”

The project has been more than a decade in development and involved county agencies, the Arboretum, community advocates and other partners.

Su Oh, chief executive officer of the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden, said the restoration would renew one of the site’s most important spaces for visitors and wildlife. The restored lake is also expected to be one of the Arboretum’s major attractions during the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Los Angeles County Public Works Director Mark Pestrella said the project would improve water quality while expanding the area’s capacity to capture stormwater.

Construction is scheduled to finish before the 2028 Games. County officials said the restoration will improve the Arboretum’s appearance and visitor experience while providing long-term benefits for flood management, wildlife and water quality in the region.

County officials, Arboretum leaders, and community partners at the ceremonial groundbreaking (Photo -Diandra Jay/LA County)