The Friends Receive California Coastal Commission Whale Tail Grant Award

On February 8th, the California Coastal Commission approved 56 Whale Tail Grant applications totaling more than $2 million to non-profit organizations, community groups, and schools for projects and programs that provide educational experiences focused on coastal protection, public access, and environmental justice. The Friends of Ballona Wetlands was one of the fortunate organizations to be awarded. 

The Whale Tail Grant will allow the Friends to continue to expand our Explore Ballona! Education program to more students and schools than ever. Part of the funding will pay for transportation costs associated with field trips so that students from all over Los Angeles can learn about and visit LA’s last coastal wetlands regardless of financial disparities.

Thank you, commissioners, for funding the growth of our educational programs and access to the wetlands. Most of the students we work with have never been to a natural space as large as the Ballona Wetlands. For these students, a field trip to the wetlands can be life-changing. 

For more information on the Whale Tail Grant and other grant recipients, click here to view the CA Coastal Commission’s official press release!

Ammy Rojas, FBW’s Environmental Education Coordinator, teaches students during a field trip at Ballona Discovery Park.