During the semester, LMU Bellarmine College of Liberal Arts Professors Rebecca Sager, Nicole Van Lier, and Jovanna Rosen brought students from the “Social Movements” and “Political Ecology” courses to the LA River to observe the remediation processes of the LA River ecosystem firsthand.
The classes visited Metabolic Studio, an interdisciplinary art and research hub directed by artist Lauren Bon, whose mission is to address social and environmental issues through art interventions. Along with their environmental efforts and initiatives, Metabolic Studio offers several community programs, including screen printing workshops and community dinners, focused on bringing the LA community together.
Kelly Majewski and other staff members spoke with the students about their work, which focuses on restoring and remediating contaminated lands along the LA River that were previously used as a tow yard and manufacturing site, resulting in soil contamination. They explained how they have introduced native plants, utilized soil banking, and employed other natural remediation techniques to transform these previously contaminated sites into sustainable, resilient landscapes. Their initiatives aim to reduce waste and pollution by utilizing natural solutions to address urban soil contamination and help create safe residential environments while preventing harmful soil from being placed in under-resourced communities.
For students in Rebecca Sager’s “Social Movements” class, the field trip was part of their section on environmental movements. Through the course, students explore how local, grassroots activism, like the work being done at Metabolic, can serve as a catalyst for global social change. Students described the experience as “inspiring” and thanked Metabolic for creating “a safe space to share their knowledge.” One student expressed gratitude not only for the presentation and field trip, but also for “the actions you’re taking to help our city.”
Professor Van Lier explained how her “Political Ecology” class is “currently focused on how cities produce urban natures and how urban natures in turn have the potential to transform our cities.” She shared how, through this experience, students were able to see these dynamics unfolding in real time, giving real-world context and value to what they had been learning. Professor Rosen described how her favorite part of the trip was “seeing students engage outside the classroom in a way that deepened their learning and made the content so much more real for them.” Through these experiences, students learn how even small contributions can have a meaningful impact on local ecosystems and the urban communities they support.
Professor Rosen, a self-proclaimed fan of the LA River, described how she was fascinated to learn about the role of soil remediation in improving outcomes in regions both adjacent to the river and across the broader region. The impact of these healing ecosystems extends beyond their immediate environment, enhancing ecosystems in neighboring areas and strengthening Los Angeles communities.
Through this educationally rich visit, students and faculty gained a deeper understanding of how a thriving Los Angeles ecosystem can serve as a vital foundation for both environmental health and community growth.