The Los Angeles River, best known to some as a popular movie scene location, is often confused for a concrete ditch. Many Angelenos do not know their city has a river, and many others who have heard of it do not know where it is, river experts say.

City officials and several civic and environmental groups are continually working on projects to make the river more recreational and accessible to the public. Although many people consider it an eyesore, others see the many possibilities for the river to sustain wildlife, and foster recreation and creativity.

The Los Angeles River Revitalization Master Plan will take decades to complete, but river lovers say it is already bustling with life and energy.

With Earth Day this April 22, several organizations offer community activities to get L.A. residents, or anyone interested, involved with nature, despite L.A.'s urban surroundings.

The L.A. Creek Freak blog focuses on Los Angeles creeks, the River, and provides updates about new exercise stations, parks, and activities along the River's path from Canoga Park to Long Beach.

This June, the Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition will host the 11th annual River Ride, where as many as 3,000 cyclists will ride as much as 100 miles by the River.

One reason some L.A. residents do not know much about the River is because they may not know streets or parks that lead to the River; however, river activists and the City of L.A. are working to make the River more friendly to the public.

Part of the solution to bring awareness to L.A.'s river is for residents to connect with it, river lovers say. Friends of the Los Angeles River coordinates river walks, cleanups, and many opportunities to learn about the history-rich L.A. River. Watch the video below for more on the project to revamp the riverbed.

Reach reporter Raquel Estupinan here.