Saturday, May 1, 2010

Fascinating and Historic Ballona Creek and Wetlands

*Photo courtesy of Ballona Wetlands

We have a great view here at CYC. Sometimes, an occasional visit from one of the many water birds that live in and around the neighboring Ballona Wetlands, makes our great view even better. Besides the ever present Seagulls and Pelicans, we can see Great Blue Herons, Snowy Egrets, Night Herons and many more that call the surrounding area home.

Before the Marina was constructed in the late 1950's, the area was natural bird habitat and farm land. Unfortunately, only 10% of California's original wetlands remain today. Friends of Ballona Wetlands, with more than 60,000 volunteers, put a lot of effort into protecting one of last wetland systems left in Los Angeles County.

A bike ride along the Marina and up Ballona Creek is a thrilling ride for "birders" and sight-seers alike (our friendly neighbors at the Marina International Hotel and Bungalows rent bikes for daily rides at low cost). Check out the Friends of Ballona Wetlands website to learn about their interesting history and more information on becoming a volunteer.