BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) -- The Bakersfield City Council heard and discussed updates regarding a plan to restore the habitat along the Kern River on Wednesday.

According to the city council meeting agenda, the project seeks to plant over 100,000 natural trees and shrubs on over 600 acres of land adjacent to the Kern River to create a self-sustaining riparian and upland habitat.

Riparian areas are habitats adjacent to bodies of water like streams, rivers or lakes.

Bakersfield Water Department Director Kristina Budak began presenting the information at the meeting.

In January of 2024, River Partners, a nonprofit based in the Central Valley that aims to bring life back to river ecosystems, asked to meet with Bakersfield’s Recreation and Parks Department to discuss potential habitat rest

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