Earth Day Habitat Restoration

Last week on April 22nd, the Friends hosted our largest biggest Community Habitat Restoration Event! More than 150 volunteers, interns, and staff helped remove non-native invasive species of plants from the Saltwater Marsh at the Ballona Wetlands. 

The last several months of rain created the perfect environment for non-native weeds to take over. We are no strangers to battling non-native vegetation in the wetlands; however, this past wet winter tipped the scales, and we need as much help as possible to remove weeds before the summer. 

During one productive morning, with the help of local businesses and organizations, including SoCalGas, PricewaterhouseCoopers, The Suarez Group, Jack and Jill, UCLA’s Grand Challenge Team, and the local Playa Del Rey community, we were able to remove over 4500 pounds of nonnative plants from the Saltwater Marsh. 

Within the cleared areas, we will start to plant native plants that will support a wide variety of wildlife, including insects, reptiles, birds, and small mammals. 

A huge thank you to Legado Companies for donating an extra parking lot for the event. 

Thank you to LA Metro for joining us and providing free public transportation to everyone on Earth Day!