|
Nature In The Big City |
| It took several thousand years to create, and only a few decades to erase; almost. The Ballona Wetlands, a natural haven for birds, fish and plants, has been reduced to about a tenth of its original size, from over 2,000 acres to just under 200. Developments such as the creation of Venice in 1905 and, more recently and significantly, Marina del Rey have left the Wetlands operating at a fourth of its natural capacity. Instead of focusing on what’s been lost, Friends of Ballona Wetlands, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving, protecting, and restoring the wetlands, is excited about what’s left. A planned restoration project should expand the habitat to about 340 acres. This is crucial for the hundreds of migratory birds who rely on the area to breed. Doves, owls, hummingbirds, egrets, and all variations of waterfowl can be seen there throughout the year. The fish population along the southern coast of California has been dramatically reduced, largely due to pollution and overfishing, and the wetlands provide one of the very last habitats where these fish can thrive. |