Visitors Can Take a Walk by Wetlands

The Friends of Ballona Wetlands organization begins its winter season of monthly walks Sunday at the wild marshy area in Playa del Rey. The group will provide telescopes, and ecologists will be on hand to inform visitors about the area. Even the great blue herons are expected to cooperate.

The organization will have five stations along the south berm of Ballona Creek. Groups will leave the starting point every 15 minutes, from 9 to 11 a.m., and stop at each table to hear experts on different topics, such as the history of the area, and plant and animal life. The walk takes one to 1 1/2 hours.

“We don’t actually go into the wetlands,” chairwoman Ruth Lansford said. “But we do get a good overview with the scopes.” She recommends bringing along binoculars for better viewing of the bird life. The wetlands is home to the Belding’s savannah sparrow, which is on the state endangered-species list and, Lansford said, a bit harder to spot than the heron.

This area between the ocean and shore floods periodically. Its mix of salt and fresh water provides an unusual environment for plant and animal life. It’s a spawning ground for fish in the Santa Monica Bay.

To reach the wetlands, take Culver Boulevard west to Pacific Avenue. Turn north to the parking lot at the edge of the creek, where volunteers will be waiting. The walk is free, but parking costs $3.

Visitors may also bring bikes and continue their outing on the bike path after the walk. Just south of the parking lot is Del Rey Lagoon Park for picnicking. Information: (213) 821-7695.