MOORPARK : Officials Celebrate Planned Wetlands Deal

When Moorpark College instructor Muthena Naseri looks at the 20 acres of wetlands just south of his campus, he sees a future outdoor classroom.

Students majoring in environmental studies and zoology will come to the Arroyo Simi to look at wildlife, plants and stream erosion. Drama students will come to give poetry readings. Art students will paint the scenery.

“This is a biological treasure and a multipurpose classroom,” said Naseri, an environmental science instructor who has been instrumental in acquiring the wetlands for the college.

The wetlands are located in an unincorporated area between Simi Valley and Moorpark near the Southern Pacific railroad tracks.

The state isn’t scheduled to give the college the man-made wetlands for another two years, but officials on Thursday celebrated the acquisition because papers concerning an agreement between the college and the Department of Transportation are close to being signed.

Having begun discussions in 1988, the two agencies finally are expected to approve a memorandum of understanding within the next few months, said Monica Finn, a natural science specialist with Caltrans.

The agreement will prohibit development of the wetlands and the property will be deeded to the college in about two years, Finn said.

Caltrans created about 17 acres of wetlands to replace the six acres that it destroyed about two years ago when it began construction of a $33-million connector between the Moorpark and Simi Valley freeways.

Grass and cottonwood, sycamore and various types of willow trees have been planted in a basin next to the Arroyo Simi that is fenced off for protection, Finn said. Additional acreage serves as a buffer and will also be given to Moorpark, she said.

About 35 officials from Caltrans and the college attended a ceremony Thursday in honor of the wetlands acquisition. Students sang, danced and read poetry to celebrate their new outdoor classroom.

“It needs to stay this way forever,” Naseri said.