Ever wonder what Los Angeles looked like before the urban sprawl? Here at Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve, you can glimpse that past. This 577-acre protected area was once the natural estuary for Ballona Creek.
Ballona Wetlands is one of the last significant marshes in Los Angeles County. Wetlands are areas that flood periodically. They also feature specific types of vegetation. Ballona is a self-sustaining bog fed by fresh and saltwater. Major wetlands like this have mostly been filled in for development. Wetlands teem with life and are among Earth’s most productive environments.
Originally, Ballona Wetlands spanned 1,500 to 2,100 acres. It includes saltwater marshes and freshwater marshes. Riparian corridors, sand dunes, and bluffs add to its ecological diversity. You will find coastal prairie, willow woodland, and shrubland here. Salt pannes, pools, and even urban forests exist in Ballona Wetlands.
Ballona Creek acts as a flood control channel. Marina del Rey’s construction in the late 1950s expanded the urbanized estuary. It grew by 700 acres. Open space east of the wetlands became farmland in the early 20th century. Later, Hughes Airport occupied many of these fields. Some fields stayed under cultivation until the 1990s. These were some of the last farms in the Los Angeles Basin. In the 21st century, Playa Vista replaced Hughes Airport.
The remaining open space has been a battleground between developers and environmentalists. Eighty-three acres of estuarine wetland were acquired by the state. Howard Hughes and Playa Vista developers previously owned this land. Environmental lawsuits helped protect the open space west of Lincoln Boulevard. Southern California Gas Company has a facility in Area B. Oil drilling occurred here in the 20th century.
Ballona Freshwater Marsh spans 26.1 acres. Bluff Creek feeds it. This marsh was built in 2003 by the Playa Vista developers. The land was once a derelict celery field. It supported about 50 bird species. The Freshwater Marsh has been wildly successful. It provides rich native habitat and regulated access for people. Around 250 bird species have been recorded here.
The Ballona Wetlands are divided into four sections for planning. Area A lies west of Lincoln Boulevard and north of the creek. Area B is west of Lincoln and south of the creek. Area C sits east of Lincoln, north of the creek, and west of the Marina Freeway. Area D includes the Playa Vista neighborhood and Bluff Creek.
These marshes are more than just for birds. They serve as fish nurseries and filtration systems. They help refill groundwater and protect homes from floods. Wetland flora includes pickleweed, alkali heath, and saltgrass. You can also spot coyote bush and goldenbush. Introduced species include crown daisy and Canary Island palm.
Eight acres of sand dune habitat have been restored by volunteers. Orcutt’s yellow pincushion, a rare native plant, was found here in 2010.
Ballona is an Important Birding Area. Nearly 260 bird species have been observed at the freshwater marsh alone. The total count reaches 320 when including the wetlands and nearby areas. Ballona Wetlands is a stop on the Pacific Flyway. Migratory birds rest and feed here. Saltwater flooding provides a rich food source.
Birders often spot red-throated loons and herons. Tree swallows, hummingbirds, and red-tailed hawks are common. Green herons, great blue herons, and snowy egrets are frequent sights. Shorebirds feed on clams, snails, crabs, worms, and shrimp. Rarities like bald eagles have visited. More common are plovers, willets, and sanderlings.
Tongva artifacts were found during the Playa Vista excavation. The Ballona Wetlands are sacred to the Gabrieleño people. They lived near the wetlands and used its resources. The origin of the name Ballona is disputed.
In 1940, Howard Hughes bought the land for his airport. Today, the Ballona Wetlands face ongoing restoration efforts. The goal is to increase coastal wetlands and improve tidal circulation. New bridges, trails, and boardwalks are planned. These will enhance public access. SoCalGas will cap oil wells.
The Ballona Wetlands represent a microcosm of debates about nature. Some say leave it alone. Others believe we should restore it. Despite the traffic noise, the Ballona Wetlands offer a world filled with plants and wildlife. Enjoy your visit to this unique and vital ecological reserve.