At the heart of Descanso Gardens lies the beloved lake—a peaceful retreat where visitors pause to watch birds soar, turtles bask in the sun, and native wildlife thrive. It is a place of reflection, connection, and discovery. And now, it is also a place of promise.
The lake restoration project is a vital investment in habitat preservation, enhancing the visitor experience, and solidifying the Gardens’ leadership in environmental stewardship. It will also become part of the fire suppression system in the area by making the water available to firefighters when needed.
The restoration plan—thoughtfully designed with sustainability and biodiversity at its core—will remove over six feet of silt, regrade the lakebed to include sediment bays, and install a new clay liner and aeration system. These changes will protect the lake’s health for many years to come.
But this project is about more than just water. It’s about wildlife, education, and access. The redesigned lake will become a habitat for native flora and fauna, with plantings that support local ecosystems and floating wetlands that provide foraging and nesting areas for birds.
For our visitors, a new ADA-accessible path, scenic bridge, observation terrace, and interpretive signage will provide inclusive and engaging ways to experience nature’s beauty up close.
With your partnership, we can ensure that the lake remains a place of wonder, learning, and ecological leadership. Together, we can restore not just a body of water, but a living, breathing centerpiece of the Gardens.
You can make a difference. Your support helps the garden grow.
FAQs
What will happen to the wildlife that lives in and around the lake?
Descanso has been concerned about the birds and wildlife at the lake for the last couple of years and has consulted with wildlife experts on the best course of action.
Most fish in the lake have already disappeared due to recent periods of duckweed bloom, while turtles will relocate on their own to other water features in the gardens when construction begins.
The deteriorating water quality has already caused many bird species to leave the gardens, and once the water quality and habitat are improved, the birds will return to the lake.
How will the lake habitat be improved?
The restoration will enhance the quality of the lake habitat by introducing wetland shelves, floating wetlands (islands within the lake that provide shelter for animals), and California native plants.
How will restoration improve water quality?
The primary reasons for the current water quality issues are poor water circulation and excessive sediment.
The restoration plan addresses these issues with natural sediment bays and a new lake lining, which will be installed after the existing sediment is removed.
The plan also includes a new circulation and aeration system, as well as a new pumping station.
How much water will be saved?
Replacing the liner and grading the lake’s edges will provide two additional feet of water storage in the reservoir.
These improvements will increase the lake’s stormwater capture by nine acre-feet, equivalent to 2.9 million gallons of water per year.