Melissa von Mayrhauser

I am researching the meaning of river restoration as a socio-ecological practice. I focus on the Los Angeles River (Paayme Paxaayt in Tongva and Orit in Fernandeño Tataviam) and Santa Clara River (Utom in Chumash) in Southern California.

Treated wastewater (effluent) has increased the flows of some reaches of my study rivers since the mid-to-late 20th Century, but there are now plans to reduce effluent discharges in the name of water conservation. I am exploring how altering flow regimes can lead to ecological and social trade-offs, and create new restoration possibilities. Specifically, I am analyzing ecological data that I have collected (focused on aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates, aquatic and riparian plants, and wading and riparian birds) and conducting interviews with community members to learn about their priorities for river restoration.

Prior to starting my doctoral research, I worked as the Watershed Programs Manager at Los Angeles Waterkeeper. I have an MSc in Water Science, Policy, and Management from the University of Oxford and a BA in French Studies and Sustainable Development from Columbia University. Please feel free to connect with me at mvonmayrhauser@berkeley.edu.