Mapping: The Arroyo Seco and the Nature that Surrounds It

Students from the Los Feliz Charter School for the Arts (LFCSA) and the Living Museum Sycamore Grove are collaborating with Departures Youth Voices to document their exploration of the area and develop interactive tools that will become part of the Living Museum's community resources. Follow the students as they work with community residents and learn about the history of the neighborhood, urban planning, and placemaking.

Below are the student's maps and reflections of the field trip to the Sycamore Grove District in Highland Park. For most of them it was the first time they had spent time exploring the neighborhood. To read more about the trip click here.

"We went to the Arroyo Seco, the Audubon Center, and Sycamore Grove Park. My experience was very interesting. I really noticed how important and fascinating all the places I went were. Since I had never been I really realized why we were doing this project and why this project was a very good idea." --Eva S.

"On this field trip I saw the Arroyo Seco that connects to the L.A. River. The Arroyo Seco is like a river. We walked into a giant sewer, it was weird. Being near the river water makes you want to jump in and play." --Jia-Wei D

"We took a little hike to the Audubon Center and saw a lot of native plants and even got to eat a pepper." --Danna L

Some of the students began to draw out their hopes and a new vision for the Arroyo Seco as they started to develop their ideas for their art projects that will be part of the Living Museum's exhibit during Lummis Day. Their site specific art work will inform and guide visitors as they visit many of the same locations the students explored. Their work is based on their visit, research, the conversations they've had with community residents and experts, and also the questions that have percolated from their experiences.