With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today during our fall member drive.
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.
Westside Wetlands: Ballona Marshes Offer an Urban Escape
Photo by David Lockeretz of Nobody Hikes in L.A.
()
By David Lockeretz of Nobody Hikes in L.A. / Special to LAistIt may seem hard to believe that there’s any kind of nature to be seen near LAX, but just a few miles up Lincoln Boulevard from the airport, that’s exactly what you’ll find.
Ballona Creek runs west into the ocean, starting almost ten miles inland. Near the mouth of the creek, it widens and forms both freshwater and saltwater marshes. Runoff from the nearby Baldwin Hills fills the basin. Spring is a particularly attractive time to visit the wetlands, although it’s a nice place to take a break during any season. Wildlife here includes ducks, egrets, geese, hawks and more.
Several of the trails are accessible only by guided tours (visit Ballona Friends' website for more information) but a public trail, open from dawn until dusk, runs around the perimeter of the marsh, paralleling Jefferson and Lincoln. While the trail doesn’t allow many close-up views of the marsh, it is a pleasant walk, especially at sunset, and it may well inspire visitors to get out and explore more natural areas around Los Angeles. There is also a trail (currently being renovated) on the east side of Lincoln, accessible from Playa Vista Park, and a Discovery Park slated to open later in 2012.
The main trail is approximately a mile long. Interpretive plaques provide information about the habitat; benches allow visitors to rest and enjoy the scenery. On the section of the trail paralleling Jefferson, you can see the Santa Monica Mountains and even a few glimpses of the San Gabriels on clear days. The trail then turns right and follows Lincoln. This portion is a little quieter; the trail is set back a few feet from the street. You can see the marshes well during this stretch. Eventually the trail splits, with the left fork joining Lincoln and the right fork dead-ending at a fence. This is all you can do on your own, but with a guided tour, you can explore more of these wetlands.
Support for LAist comes from
Parking is free, and available on the south side of Jefferson, west of Lincoln. From I-405, take the 90 Freeway west to Culver Blvd. Turn left (southwest) on Culver, and go 1.2 miles to the intersection with Jefferson. Take a hairpin left on Jefferson and park along the side of the street.
Like other coastal wetlands in the area, the Ballona Creek marshes are a unique glimpse into Southern California’s past. They are a nice place to come for a walk, to observe wildlife or to have some quiet time. It’s easy to pass them by, but if you decide to stop and visit, you’ll be glad you did. As you look out at the homes perched on the bluffs on the south side of the marsh, you’ll be thankful that this little pocket of open space has been preserved.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
Flauta, taquito, tacos dorados? Whatever they’re called, they’re golden, crispy and delicious. -
If California redistricts, the conservative beach town that banned LGBTQ Pride flags on city property would get a gay, progressive Democrat in Congress. -
Most survivors of January's fires face a massive gap in the money they need to rebuild, and funding to help is moving too slowly or nonexistent. -
Kevin Lacy has an obsession with documenting California’s forgotten and decaying places. -
Restaurants share resources in the food hall in West Adams as Los Angeles reckons with increasing restaurant closures. -
It will be the second national day of protest against President Donald Trump.
Best of LAist