A 1940s-era lodge marks the entrance to the new oak woodland area of Descanso Gardens. The area showcases elements of the natural landscape of the L.A. Basin before the Spanish came. (Tom Politeo / For the Los Angeles Times)
The lodge facing the lake was built by original land owner E. Manchester Boddy. (Tom Politeo / For the Los Angeles Times)
One of three paths that guide visitors through the new oak woodland. (Tom Politeo / For the Los Angeles Times)
One of the landmark coast live oaks, believed to be 150 to 200 years old, in the area set to open Saturday. (Tom Politeo / For the Los Angeles Times)
A view of the upper lake from the woodland. (Tom Politeo / For the Los Angeles Times)
A dirt trail gives way to a wooden walkway around the lake. (Tom Politeo / For the Los Angeles Times)
The woodland abuts the hillsides where Descanso Gardens officials hope to move back a fence farther uphill to allow visitors to explore the hillsides. (Tom Politeo / For the Los Angeles Times)
A Mandarin duck, native to Asia, is a visitor at the lake. (Tom Politeo / For the Los Angeles Times)
Hummingbird sage blooms in the oak woodland. (Tom Politeo / For the Los Angeles Times)
Coast sunflowers, some of the native plants that were planted in spring. (Tom Politeo / For the Los Angeles Times)
Toyon, laden with red berries. (Tom Politeo / For the Los Angeles Times)
Coast live oaks are the dominant trees in the new woodland area. (Tom Politeo / For the Los Angeles Times)
The view of the lake from the bird observation area. (Tom Politeo / For the Los Angeles Times)
