Friends of Madrona Marsh invite bird-watchers, nature...

Friends of Madrona Marsh invite bird-watchers, nature lovers and Sunday strollers to join in a nature walk through the Madrona Marsh Nature Preserve in Torrance today.

With recent downpours drenching the Southland, the vernal marsh--a winter respite for migrating waterfowl--has filled early this winter: The marsh has already welcomed wigeons, mallards and great blue herons.

The birds come from as far away as Alaska to rest in the preserve near Del Amo Mall, said Shirley Turner, spokeswoman for Friends of Madrona Marsh.

“It’s pretty fabulous to drive to the grocery store and be able to see these birds from your car,” Turner said.

Two decades ago, when the preserve area was threatened with development, the Friends of Madrona Marsh gathered 14,000 signatures in a campaign to save the land. In 1983, the 42-acre area was dedicated as a nature preserve.

But having a preserve in the midst of a busy urban setting poses some problems for wildlife, Turner said. “We had a great egret who was crossing from the mall to the marsh and was hit” by a car, she recalled.

Today’s nature walk, led by City of Torrance naturalist Walt Wright, will begin at 10 a.m. Turner advises that walkers “dress for mud.”

The 1 1/2- to two-hour tour will start at the interpretive triangle off Plaza Del Amo between Maple and Madrona avenues. Visitors will get an overview of life in the marsh and have an opportunity to examine water life under a microscope before taking in some of the 16 acres of wetland.

Keen-eyed walkers may be able to spot gnatcatchers, black-crowned night-herons, American bullfinches and snowy egrets during the tour.

Taking place Saturdays and Sundays on the fourth weekend of each month, such walks are one of several projects the Friends of Madrona Marsh organize to encourage community interest in the preserve. Among the other projects are:

* A natural history center, to be built on the interpretive circle.

* A docent class on water and natural life in the marsh for individuals who would like to lead tours in the preserve.

* A planting program to restore native plants such as yellow poppies, goldenbush and buckwheat to the area.

To participate in any of these activities or for more information on nature walks or the Madrona Marsh Nature Preserve call (310) 32MARSH.