Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Madrona Marsh: Torrance's Secret Urban Oasis (Hiding in Plain Sight)
Photo by David Lockeretz of Nobody Hikes in L.A.
()
By David Lockeretz of Nobody Hikes in L.A. / Special to LAist
Mapquest and Google Maps don’t show it. Countless people who live and work in Torrance drive right by it and have no idea. Yet it’s there and very real: the 10-acre Madrona Marsh Nature Preserve, an urban oasis right in the middle of Torrance.
According to the Friends of Madrona Marsh, it is a vernal marsh that consists of run-off from the hillsides of the Palos Verdes Peninsula. While the marsh is most attractive in the spring, when rainwater fills the depressions and creates pools, it can be a pleasant escape into nature at any time of the year. In addition to the green meadows and willow trees that can be found here, the marsh is also a nice spot for birdwatching; egrets and ducks are among the birds that can be seen here.
The entrance to the marsh (which is closed on Mondays and holidays and open Tuesday-Sunday from 10am to 5pm) is on Plaza Del Amo in Torrance. From I-405, take the Hawthorne Blvd. exit and head south to Carson Ave. Turn left on Carson, right on Madrona and left on Plaza Del Amo and take a left into the parking lot across the street from the marsh. From I-110, take the Sepulveda Blvd. exit and head west to Maple Ave. Turn right on Maple and left on to Plaza Del Amo, and right into the parking lot.
Support for LAist comes from
After crossing the street, you enter the marsh. There are several trails that run through it. You can head clockwise on a path that circles the outside of the marsh. It goes through a meadow, and reaches the wetlands on the south side of the park. Here, old willows bend down to meet the water, and several benches allow visitors to sit and look at the wildlife. The whole loop is less than a mile, although a few trails that cross the reserve allow walkers to put together several possible different routes.
You will hear and see the signs of the city nearby; this is not necessarily the place to go for absolute solitude. However, the Madrona Marsh is proof positive that even in unlikely places, nature is still alive and well and there for the enjoyment. People who haven’t spent much time exploring the outdoors will be pleasantly surprised to find it so accessible—and even veterans of the outdoors will appreciate this park, and how it hides in plain sight. No matter what your experience with the outdoor is, the Madrona Marsh of Torrance is well worth a visit.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
Experts say students shouldn't readily forgo federal aid. But a California-only program may be a good alternative in some cases. -
The program is for customers in communities that may not be able to afford turf removal or water-saving upgrades. -
More than half of sales through September have been to corporate developers. Grassroots community efforts continue to work to combat the trend. -
The bill would increase penalties for metal recyclers who possess or purchase metal used in public infrastructure. -
The new ordinance applies to certain grocers operating in the city and has led to some self-checkout lanes to shutter. -
Children asked to waive right to see a judge in exchange for $2,500
Best of LAist