Ballona Discovery Park

The Ballona Wetlands are the product of decades long community activism. After over a century of abuse and degradation, the 1960’s saw the destruction of 900 acres of wetlands for the construction of Marina Del Rey and devastated the ecology of the region. In 1976, Howard Hughes, who owned the remaining wetlands, died and his heirs planned to develop the land. In response, the Friends of the Ballona Wetlands was formed. Finally, in 2003, the wetlands were purchased by the State of California and made an official reserve. Since then, extensive restoration of the wetlands has taken place with more projects planned for the future. Several endangered species live in the wetlands, the California least tern, Belding’s savannah sparrow, and the El Segundo blue butterfly. The Discovery Center is the gateway to the wetlands. The Friends of the Ballona Wetlands describe it as a museum without walls and it is packed full of information. Here one can learn about the history of the wetlands, their creation (they are man-made as there was nothing left of the habitat to preserve), the Tongva, how they lived, their culture and one can even listen to examples of their language and listen to a Tongva story inside a recreation of a kiiy. There is a section that is devoted to Tongvian medicinal plants and helpful information plaques give the names and uses of these plants. The watershed walk takes you through each habitat in California, from the mountains to the sea. The goal of the park is to connect visitors to the wetlands and to the complex and important role that the wetlands play in the greater ecosystem. The smooth rich brown walls and hardscaping at the entrance to the garden give the wild meadow-like plantings structure and elegance and, as you move farther into the space, the design becomes less formal and blends into a wild landscape. Trails crisscross through the Discovery Center and connect with the long walking trail that runs the length of Bluff Creek Drive. There are picnic tables and benches scattered along the trails. Thoughtful planting creates year-round interest; there is always something blooming and something new to learn.