Chronolog Installation Initiative

Documenting the LA River’s Transformation

Introduction: One of the most exciting tools for visual storytelling is the Chronolog, a public time-lapse photo station that lets the community help document the river’s transformation. Chronolog stations empower community members to capture and contribute time-stamped photos, creating a living record of restoration progress.
 

The Purpose of Chronolog Stations

  • Monitor ecological changes over time.
  • Engage the community by involving them in data collection.
  • Create time-lapse animations to visually showcase the river’s transformation.
  • Track project progress and setbacks such as weather events, fires, pollution, vandalism, or natural disasters. Chronolog stations provide an unfiltered, continuous record that highlights both improvements and challenges.
  • Increase transparency and accountability by allowing the public to observe restoration efforts over time. (Agencies cannot claim progress where none exists, as the time-lapse serves as a visual fact-check.)


Help Choose Chronolog Station Locations

Before we start fundraising, we want your input! Help us identify the best spots along the LA River for new Chronolog stations.

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A good Chronolog location is:

  • Accessible: Located where many people can easily visit and participate.

  • Meaningful: Overlooking areas undergoing active restoration or places where ecological changes are noticeable.

  • Dynamic: In spots with seasonal shifts, fluctuating water levels, or dramatic visual changes.

  • Engaging: Positioned in places that are visually striking or hold community significance.

Suggest A Site On the LA River

Visit chronolog.io for more information on what makes a great Chronolog site.

 

Send us your location suggestions and help shape how we document the river’s transformation!

 

Crowdfunding for Restoration


We’re planning a crowdfunding campaign in partnership with local nonprofits to:

  • Fund the installation of Chronolog stations to help document river restoration progress.

  • Create educational and promotional videos for Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, engaging a wider audience.

  • Raise awareness about local restoration efforts and how the community can get involved.


The Plan

  • Partner with a local nonprofit (like FoLAR, The River Project, Los Angeles Waterkeeper, Harvard-Westlake School) that can help manage the campaign and funds.

  • Secure a fiscal agent (either the nonprofit partner or a reputable community foundation or bank) to ensure transparency and proper fund management.

  • Offer donor incentives like public recognition, exclusive behind-the-scenes content, or opportunities to join river cleanups.

  • Promote the campaign through social media, community events, and partnerships with local schools and businesses.


Choosing the Right Crowdfunding Platform
Once nonprofit partners and a fiscal agent are secured, we’ll select a crowdfunding platform that best fits the campaign's needs. We invite the public to help us choose! Here are some options under consideration:

  • GoFundMe: Founded in 2010, GoFundMe is the largest crowdfunding platform, with over 100 million global users.

  • Kickstarter: Since its launch in 2009, Kickstarter has funded more than 250,000 projects, contributing significantly to the global crowdfunding market.

  • Indiegogo: Established in 2008, Indiegogo offers flexible funding options and has supported a wide range of projects.

  • Patreon: Launched in 2013, Patreon focuses on ongoing support for creators through a subscription model, facilitating continuous funding for artists and content creators.


Have other suggestions? Let us know! We want this campaign to be as inclusive and community-driven as possible.

Why We Need a Fiscal Agent
A fiscal agent is a trusted organization or entity that manages the funds raised during the campaign, ensuring everything is handled responsibly and transparently. This helps build trust with donors and keeps the focus on the restoration work.

Get Involved:

  • Recommend a Chronolog Location: Help us find the best places to document change.

  • Recommend a Nonprofit Partner: Help us to find a charity that is focused on the L.A. River and ready and willing to promote this Chronolog initiative.

  • Document the Change: Share your river photos and stories on social media using #LARiverRestoration


Let’s work together to restore the Los Angeles River ecosystem... one wetland, one fish passage, and one community cleanup at a time.


Photo Credits:
Top Banner: National Park Service
Center: Museum of Life & Science, Durham, NC
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