In November 1997, The Creative Writing Club planted a small garden just above the Los Angeles River as a parting gift to longtime Club member and VP Peggy Garcia, whose destiny called her to Indianapolis. As Bruce Springsteen wrote, "From small things....big things one day come."

After narrowly surviving an attack by work crews in the stern employ of the U.S. Army Corpse of Engineers, the River Garden has come to symbolize our commitment to our urban environment in general and the Los Angeles River in particular. Thanks to the nonprofit group NorthEast Trees, our vision of a quarter-mile riverside park has come into being.

Situated between the Los Feliz Bridge and the Glendale-Hyperion Viaduct, the NorthEast Trees project now incorporates over two hundred trees, a wistful walking path, decorative boulders, a faux creekbed complete with a rock bridge, a tai chi circle, a natural amphitheater, many sitting areas and, of course, the CWC Garden.

Contact Buddy to arrange a tour or to make a contribution -- or simply follow the directions below and visit on your own. Be sure to bring some breadcrumbs or bird seed to feed our community of ducks.

To get to the CWC/NorthEast Trees Riverside Park: Exit the 5 Freeway on Los Feliz Boulevard, and turn toward the City of Glendale. Cross the bridge. At the first stop light, Glenfeliz Boulevard, go right. The second stop sign is Dover Street. Go right and park. There is a community access point at the end of Dover. You may also access from Los Feliz through the small park just across the bridge and before you reach Glenfeliz.

For more information, pictures, and Buddy's essay, entitled "Fear, Loathing -- and a Sense of Awe -- in Atwater Village" click here.