Karen Holden ’09 Presents Project at AGLSP

The MLS alumna discussed “Re: The Los Angeles River: An Urban Exploration” at the conference in Dallas, Texas.
BySusan Kamei

On Oct. 8, 2010, Master of Liberal Studies alumna Karen Holden (’09) gave a presentation at the 2010 AGLSP Conference in Dallas, Texas.

In her presentation “Re: The Los Angeles River: An Urban Exploration,” Karen explored the rich and interesting history of the Los Angeles River, discussed the implications of its decline and revitalization on the urban biology of the region, described recent cross-cultural community efforts to “reclaim” the river (including a major new master plan) and speculated on what a renewed river and riverfront will mean for biological and cultural diversity in Los Angeles and Southern California.

She also questioned the meaning of words like revitalize, restore, reclaim and renew with regard to a reasonable plan of action. Karen based her presentation on work she undertook in LBST 516: Urban Conservation Biology with Professor Travis Longcore.

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