5/20 Bird Watching and Creek Cleanup at Ballona Ecological Reserve

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About Friends of Ballona Wetlands

Location:

PO BOX 5159, Playa Del Rey, CA 90296, US

Mission Statement

To preserve, protect, and restore the Ballona Wetlands, inspiring the public to become advocates and stewards of this unique coastal environment through the adventure of exploration and education

Description

The Ballona Wetlands, located between Marina del Rey and the Westchester bluffs, are the last major wetlands in Los Angeles County. Over 95% of wetlands in California have been lost to development, so Ballona is a precious natural resource that provides unique habitat for over 215 species of birds, a spawning ground for fish, and a vital source of nutrients for the entire coastal marine environment. Ballona offers resting and feeding grounds for migratory birds and other wildlife. The wetland also acts as a flood plain and cleanses pollutants from storm water run off before it reaches the Santa Monica Bay. Friends of Ballona Wetlands, a non-profit, tax-exempt organization formed in 1978, is dedicated to the preservation and restoration of these wetlands. Throughout the years, we have prevented development that would have destroyed Ballona and negotiated an outstanding settlement with the current developers (now Playa Capital, formerly Maguire Partners). This agreement will not only restore over 240 acres of wetlands, but an additional 100 acres of habitat as well. We also play a major role in planning the much-needed restoration of the wetland. Degraded by many years of neglect, Ballona desperately needs help. During our existence, Friends of Ballona have performed many important activities to provide that help. Our organization's activities fall primarily into three categories:

1. Community environmental monitoring.

2. Environment education and stewardship.

3. Wetland restoration/natural habitat enhancement.