Stretching from Playa del Rey to Venice, the Ballona Wetlands once occupied a 2,000-acre expanse of critical coastal habitat. Currently covering an area of 600 acres, the Ballona Wetlands are the largest and most promising opportunity for coastal wetland restoration in Los Angeles County.

The Ballona Wetlands Restoration Project is a long-term, science-based plan to return the Ballona Wetlands into a thriving ecological reserve. By healing this highly degraded site, the restoration project will create a diverse, resilient and dynamic ecosystem while providing a unique opportunity for the community to reconnect with southern California’s natural heritage.

More than a century of human neglect and abuse have left the Ballona Wetlands in a highly degraded state. Dredge spoils were dumped into the wetlands during the construction of Marina del Rey and the Ballona Creek Flood Control Channel, effectively separating the creek from its floodplain. The loss of the historic connections between the wetlands, its natural freshwater sources and the ocean has resulted in the loss of many of its ecological functions and many native species can no longer live at the wetlands because of the degraded habitat.

Restoring the natural structure and function of the Ballona Wetlands will give native species a chance to recover and thrive. The Ballona Wetlands Restoration Project will return the daily ebb and flow of tidal waters, maintain freshwater circulation and support a more natural and healthy ecosystem. Creating these suitable habitats and natural conditions will allow wetland vegetation to flourish and attract the insects, reptiles, amphibians, fishes, birds and mammals that call wetlands home. This revitalization will also provide the community with a valuable educational resource and an opportunity to create meaningful connections with the natural environment.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA URBAN WETLAND RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM

Click here to register.

Volunteer with the Ballona Wetlands Monitoring Team

The Santa Monica Bay Restoration Commission and its partners are currently conducting a baseline-monitoring program to collect physical, chemical, biological and human use data at the Ballona Wetlands. Monitoring the site will enhance our understanding of the existing conditions in the Ballona Wetlands and data collected will be used to develop adaptive, long-term restoration and monitoring plans for the wetlands. Volunteer with the Ballona Wetlands monitoring team.

Scientific Advisory Committee

January 23, 2012 SAC Agenda

January 23, 2012 SAC Memorandum Draft

January 23, 2012 SAC Presentation

Featuring guided tours of the reserve
Saturday, June 18, 2011 (third Saturday of every month)
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Fiji Gateway
13720 Fiji Way
Marina del Rey, CA 90292 (Across from Fisherman’s Village)

The public is invited to enjoy the Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve during a community open house. Stop by and learn about the unique resources of the Ballona Wetlands. Guided tours will depart from the trailhead at 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., and 12:00 p.m.

For information about future Open Houses, please email Diana Hurlbert or call 310-216-9866.