The Importance of Silver Lake to Migratory Birds:

Silver Lake Reservoir hosts migratory birds using one of the great migration routes of the world, the Pacific Flyway, stretching from northern Alaska to the tip of South America. Over 140 species have been sighted on this open body of water, numbering into the thousands of birds at the height of the migratory seasons.

Included in those species is at least one listed as threatened in California by the CA Dept of Fish and Wildlife - the bank swallow.

As part of this Flyway, conservation efforts for our Reservoir would join national and state areas in linking protected bird habitats.

In addition, Silver Lake Reservoir is a national treasure as a birding hotspot (designated by Cornell Lab of Ornithology - eBird) and is part of Los Angeles’ designation as an international bio-diversity hotspot within the California Floristic Province by Conservation International.

The Importance of Silver Lake to Urban Wildlife:

More and more recognition is being given to the necessity of preserving land that will serve as both habitat and corridors for our urban wildlife. Silver Lake Reservoir serves as both. This includes both wildlife such as coyote and skunks that residents see often, and also rarer, more secretive ones such as the bobcat.

Video Captures Backyard Bobcat in Silverlake

Bobcats in Silverlake

Yes That Was a Bobcat on Talmadge Street

History

• Silver Lake & Ivanhoe Reservoirs have been decommissioned for municipal water supply by Federal law. Construction of a bypass pipeline necessitated the temporary drainage of the reservoirs. Beginning April 25, 2017, the Reservoirs were refilled to the historic 440' above sea level by the Los Angeles Dept. of Water and Power.  They will remain at that level through use of ground water wells.
• LADWP owns, maintains and manages property that would become the Silver Lake Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Entire 90 sq. acre property includes reservoirs, dam, interior roads, Neighborhood Nursery School, dog park, recreation center, basketball courts, play area, walking paths, meadow park, benches. Public access to these amenities would not change.
• Active public use areas cited above are now fenced off from water area, protecting the public from drowning. Fence constitutes protection for wildlife and birds living within Silver Lake and its banks.
• Designated as Los Angeles City Historic-Cultural Monument #442 in 1989.