The San Fernando Valley Audubon Society and our entire greater Los Angeles environmental community mourns the loss of friend and colleague Melanie Winter, founder of The River Project. Melanie, a San Fernando Valley native, served on the Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Areas Steering Committee (SBWASC)for many years and was instrumental in preserving and rewilding significant portions of our Los Angeles River and its tributaries. From the Los Angeles Times: “Leading her nonprofit group the River Project, she championed efforts to embrace nature along the river, saying that allowing space for a meandering waterway lined with riparian forests would help recharge groundwater, reduce flood risks and allow a green oasis to flourish in the heart of Los Angeles.” A lesson we take away from Melanie’s service on the SBWASC is we need to collaborate, work together, and address these issues as a unitied community, working hand in hand. Her memory is a blessing.
The Neighborhood Council Sustainability Alliance hosts an event and fund raiser honoring the life and environmental work of Melanie on November 22nd, 1-4pm, at Rio de Los Angeles State Park. Please use this link for more information, to register to attend and to donate to causes Melanie supported. Melanie’s Celebration of Life will be at the Rio de Los Angeles State Park, on one of the last two weekends in January 2026. If you have photos or memories you want to contribute for the slide show at the Celebration of Life, use this link
For more information please see:
www.latimes.com/environment/story/2025-10-23/obit-melanie-winter-los-angeles-river-advocate
www.latimes.com/environment/story/2024-10-09/los-angeles-river-champion