At Stratifyx, we believe even the most urbanized landscapes hold untapped ecological value. The Verdugo Wash Master Plan—led by the acclaimed team at MVVA and the City of Glendale—presents a unique opportunity to restore ecological function, improve public safety, and reconnect communities with nature. And we’re proud to announce that Stratifyx will be supporting this visionary effort as it kicks off in the coming months.
Unlocking the Potential of Verdugo Wash
Verdugo Wash is more than a concrete channel. It’s a complex landscape shaped by decades of flood control infrastructure, urban expansion, and overlooked natural systems. Using high-resolution mapping, aerial imagery, and historical datasets, Stratifyx has already begun early assessments of the Wash—from its headwater tributaries in the San Gabriel foothills to its engineered outlet at the Los Angeles River.
Our preliminary analysis has identified remnant floodplains, degraded infrastructure, and large parcels that could play a critical role in future restoration. These insights are laying the foundation for a more resilient, ecologically connected future.
Bringing Ecology into the Community Vision
Once the project launches, Stratifyx will provide ecological expertise and geospatial intelligence to help guide the restoration process. Our contributions will support MVVA and partners in crafting a master plan that:
Assesses current ecological conditions and legacy hydrology
Identifies restoration opportunities aligned with flood protection
Explores wildlife habitat connectivity and movement corridors
Prioritizes phased restoration and long-term management strategies
Our Role Across Two Project Phases
Phase I: Project Management & Technical Contributions
Stratifyx will participate in project startup meetings, site tours, and ongoing team coordination. Our technical scope includes:
Existing Conditions Analysis
We will develop a memorandum summarizing key site conditions, including:
Historic and current hydrology
Channel geometry and infrastructure
Ecological health and habitat indicators
GIS-based maps, cross-sections, and spatial analyses
Opportunities and constraints for phased improvements
Conceptual Design Alternatives
Stratifyx will contribute to evaluate and frame restoration scenarios such as:
Re-establishing natural channel form and floodplain connections
Designing stormwater storage opportunities on adjacent lands
Recommending plant palettes that thrive in urban wash environments
Estimating capital and O&M costs for ecological interventions
Environmental Insights
Through fieldwork and data analysis, we will support broader planning goals like:
Enhancing biodiversity and vegetation management
Supporting wildlife corridor crossings and habitat resilience
Reducing wildfire risks through nature-based strategies
Improving stormwater treatment and water quality
All insights will be aligned with California’s Wildlife Action Plan and adapted to the Wash’s unique mountain-to-valley ecological context.
Phase II: Community Engagement & Plan Review
Stratifyx will support public engagement by participating in stakeholder meetings and reviewing outreach materials to ensure ecological goals are clearly communicated and understood.
Once the draft and final master plans are developed, we’ll provide detailed feedback to ensure that ecological integrity, resilience, and sustainability are embedded in all aspects of implementation—including construction plans and long-term operations and maintenance strategies.
Looking Ahead
This exciting project is set to begin soon. As Verdugo Wash becomes a new model for urban ecological restoration, Stratifyx is honored to be part of the team helping bring this transformation to life—merging data, design, and ecology to shape a healthier, more connected future for the region.
