Friends of Ballona Wetlands facts for kids

Friends of Ballona Wetlands (FBW) is a special group in California. It's a non-profit organization, which means they don't make money for themselves. They were started in 1978 by friends, scientists, and neighbors. These people saw how important the Ballona Wetlands were. The Ballona Wetlands is the last natural wetland area in Los Angeles County that still has tides. The FBW works hard to protect and care for these wetlands. They also teach people about why wetlands are so important. They team up with other groups like the California Coastal Conservancy and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). They also work with Loyola Marymount University (LMU) and Heal The Bay. The Ballona Wetlands became public land in 2003 when the CDFW bought them. This made it easier for people to visit and enjoy the wetlands.

How the Wetlands Were Saved

Back in 1978, a brave group led by Ruth Lansford, the first president, took action. They filed a lawsuit against the Summa Corporation. This company owned a huge piece of land, about 1,067 acres, which was part of the Ballona Wetlands. Long ago, the Ballona Wetlands were much bigger, about 2,000 acres. But in the 1960s, over 900 acres were destroyed to build Marina del Rey.

The Friends of Ballona Wetlands' lawsuit stopped plans for a huge building project on the remaining wetlands. Their fight lasted for many years. Because of their hard work, the Ballona Wetlands were saved from being destroyed. In 2005, the area was officially named a California State Ecological Reserve. This means it's a special protected place for nature.

What the Friends of Ballona Wetlands Do

The Friends of Ballona Wetlands are very active in protecting this important natural area. Here are some of the things they do:

• Speaking Up for Nature: They attend government meetings and share their ideas. They also give their opinions on plans to restore the wetlands, making sure the projects help nature.
• Supporting Science: They take part in science meetings and research projects. This helps them learn more about the wetlands and how to protect them best.
• Honoring History: They support the Ballona Discovery Park. This park is in the Playa Vista area, near LMU. It includes a former Native American Indigenous cemetery, which is a very important historical site.
• Taking Legal Steps: The FBW takes legal action when needed to make sure the wetlands are protected by law.
• Educating Through Art: In the past, they worked with an artist named Marina DeBris. She created art to teach people about pollution and how it harms our environment.
• Working with Students: The FBW also used to partner with Otis College of Art and Design. Students and teachers from different subjects worked together on community projects, including those focused on the wetlands.