HUNTINGTON BEACH : Bolsa Chica Group Will Unveil Mural

Amigos de Bolsa Chica on Saturday morning will unveil its “railing wall” mural, which was painted to capture the essence of the Bolsa Chica wetlands as well as identify the preservation group’s office.

The 18-by-39-foot mural grew from an idea for a simple sign so the public could find the Amigos de Bolsa Chica office, executive director Adrianne Morrison said.

After artist Neill Ketchum volunteered to paint a small mural, the ideas got bigger and so did the mural.

The illustrations on the mural came from a children’s book Ketchum has written on the adventures of a light-footed clapper rail in the marsh. The clapper rail is one of the endangered species that live in the Bolsa Chica wetlands.

Ketchum began the mural in July and was assisted by two other artists and community volunteers, Morrison said. The finishing touches were recently placed on the mural, including a dedication line that runs across the bottom. The dedication line is covered and will be unveiled Saturday at 11 a.m.

The dedication ceremony will include beverages, cups and paper plates for people who want to bring a food item for a potluck lunch, Morrison said.

The ceremony will run until 1 p.m. at the mural behind the Amigos de Bolsa Chica office, 5811 McFadden Ave., two blocks west of Springdale Street.