The Egret Corner

Ballona Wetlands Land Trust News and Updates

January 2021 | Issue 19

Description: A foggy day in the salt pan, area B of the Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve. Photo: Jonathan Coffin

Dear Ballona Wetlands Advocates, We hope that 2022 is off to a great start for you! This month's newsletter is packed with information about new access to the ecological reserve, a "Bird Brother" whose conservation work is being featured by Cornell University's Lab of Ornithology, a front-page article on the Ballona Wetlands, and a proposed strategy for keeping trash from flowing out to the ocean from Ballona Creek. We hope this information helps you stay connected to the Ballona Wetlands and nature in general. Project Updates: After working years to facilitate access to areas in the northern Ballona Reserve, wildlife-sensitive access to area A has been secured, read more below. We've booked transportation for our first sponsored in-person field trip of the year for Title 1 students to the Ballona reserve, which will occur in late March! We are hopeful that the current surge of the Omicron will subside so that this field trip can safely proceed. We are continuing our virtual nature classes for elementary students as well. If you know of a class or group that would be interested in any of our educational opportunities, please feel free to contact sofia@ballona.org or fill out this form. Enjoy the rest of the newsletter. For previous issues, please visit our newsletter archive. If you have any questions or concerns email lisa@ballona.org. Lastly, please give us feedback by completing our newsletter survey. Thank you for your ongoing support. Sincerely, The Ballona Wetlands Team

Diversity in the Field: Presenting Rodney Stotts

In this segment, we aim to support diversity by showcasing people currently underrepresented in environmental fields, working to improve the environment and/or people's access to natural spaces. We hope to provide representation for people who might not see themselves in these fields and inspire ways to be more inclusive.

In 1992, Rodney began working for the Earth Conservation Corps to help restore and conserve the polluted Anacostia River that flows through D.C. Rodney would go on to develop his own raptor education program and sanctuary, and to write his book, Bird Brother. Join his upcoming webinar on Feb. 2 with the Cornell Lab. Learn More rodneysraptors.webs.com

We get lots of nature photographers at the Ballona Wetlands (and we can never have too many), but the wetlands are also a great place to paint landscapes. Paula Brown, a long-time docent at the wetlands, refers to herself as a "heartist". More of her work can be seen on her website. Learn more paulabrowncreative.com

Local News

In Case You Missed it: Area A is Open! "Our organization has been working for years to facilitate wildlife-sensitive access to areas of the Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve on the north side of Ballona Creek. It was..." Read more to learn about what went into this effort and visiting hours. Read More ballona.org

Ecological Gem: The Ballona Wetlands We are always glad to see local media coverage of the Ballona Wetlands. especially a front page referring to the wetlands as an "Ecological Gem". However, the article's discussion of the adverse impacts of sea-level rise is a bit lacking, taking certain figures out of context. Read More argonautnews.com

CA news: Land returned to indigenous tribes! In what could be a model for other natural areas, "Save the Redwoods League has donated more than 500 acres of redwood forestland to the InterTribal Sinkyone Wilderness Council, a coalition of Native tribes that have been connected to the land for thousands of years." Read More npr.org

Ballona Creek Trash Interceptor™ Pilot Project Could this floating barge-like vessel reduce the amount of trash flowing into the ocean from Ballona Creek? We're not sure. Ballona Creek Renaissance, a non-profit organization that conducts cleanups along the creek, and whose work we value, would like to see a pilot project proceed. Please let us know your thoughts. Read More lacounty.gov

Bird of the Month: Burrowing Owl

Interesting Facts

This is the only owl species in the world that nests underground. Check out some of their unique characteristics and a nest in this fascinating short video by the Smithsonian Channel.

Habitat: open areas with low sparse vegetation, no trees  Diet: invertebrates—mostly insects and small vertebrates such as reptiles, mammals, and other birds  Nesting: existing burrows on slightly higher elevation to avoid flooding occasionally they excavate their burrows

*Birds featured here have been seen at the Ballona Reserve or in the surrounding area.

Facts from allaboutbirds.org Photo: Jonathan Coffin

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The Ballona Wetlands Land Trust is a non-profit community organization dedicated to advocating for the greater Ballona Wetlands ecosystem and to facilitating access to this ecosystem for education, stewardship, and public outreach.

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