Los Cerritos Wetlands facts for kids
Los Cerritos Wetlands is a very special natural area in California. It's located near the cities of Long Beach, California and Seal Beach, California. The San Gabriel River flows right through this important wetland.
This area is close to the Pacific Ocean. When the tide is high, shallow ocean water covers parts of the marshland. Other parts of the wetlands get water from winter rain, forming temporary pools called ephemeral pools.
Long ago, Los Cerritos Wetlands was huge, covering about 2,400 acres! It's smaller now, but it still works as a vital natural system, helping many plants and animals.
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Animals and Plants of the Wetlands
Los Cerritos Wetlands has two main marshes, called Steamshovel Slough and Zedler Marsh. It also has many seasonal ponds with a mix of fresh and salty water, known as brackish ponds. All these areas are full of amazing wildlife!
This wetland is home to several animals that need special protection because they are endangered. These include the Belding's Savannah sparrow, the California least tern, and the California brown pelican. You might also spot a wandering skipper butterfly or a tiger beetle here. Many other common plants and animals that live in California coastal salt marsh habitats also call the wetlands home.
Much of the open land in the wetlands used to be thriving salt marshes, lagoons, and bays. Today, some of this land is privately owned. The rising sea level, caused by climate change, is a threat to the marsh. It could cause the wetlands to be covered by too much water.
Protecting and Restoring the Wetlands
Many groups are working together to protect and restore Los Cerritos Wetlands. The cities of Long Beach and Seal Beach, the California Coastal Conservancy, and the Rivers and Mountains Conservancy are all involved. Local businesses, community groups, and citizens are also helping to buy and restore the remaining 776 acres.
The Los Cerritos Wetlands Authority has bought 172 acres of land. This means a total of 255.67 acres within the wetlands are now public land. The community started helping with restoration on September 19, 2009, with a cleanup day at Zedler Marsh. Since then, regular volunteer days have been held to help restore the habitat. A big plan is being created to restore the entire Los Cerritos Wetlands area.
Environmental Planning for the Future
The Los Cerritos Wetlands Authority (LCWA) has completed an important study called the Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR). This report helps them understand how their plans for restoring the wetlands might affect the environment. The EIR also suggests ways to reduce any negative effects and looks at different options to protect the area.
The main goal of the restoration plan is to bring back healthy wetland, transitional, and upland habitats. This involves cleaning up any contaminated soil and reshaping the land. They will also plant new native plants. The plan includes creating new ways for people to visit and enjoy the wetlands, like trails, visitor centers, and viewing spots. They also plan to build flood protection, such as earthen walls, and update existing structures.
Images for kids
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Los Cerritos Wetlands, Zedler Marsh
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Los Cerritos Wetlands, Steamshovel Slough
