Madrona Marsh
TheMadrona Marsh Preserve,in the city ofTorrancein theSouth Bayregion ofSouthern California,is a seasonalwetlandwithvernal pools.The 43 acres (17 ha) was a former site of oil wells and is one of the few natural areas remaining within anurbanlandscape.[1]
Formedeonsago when themountainsof thePalos VerdesPeninsula rose to the south, Madrona Marsh is a shallow depression fed by wet season (spring) storms as the name "vernal" indicates. After the rainy season,evaporation,percolationandtranspirationreduce the water depth by about one-quarter of an inch (6 mm) per day. By the end of August, the wetland is dry and remains so until the following rainy season.[2]Situated on land that was set aside foroilproduction in 1924, Madrona Marsh was never developed while the city grew up around the site and remains a valuable naturalhabitatfor birds, reptiles, insects and small mammals.[3]
Ongoing efforts are restoring native plants including wildflowers.[4]Plantings may benefit local butterfly species including thePalos Verdes blue.The area has long been popular withbird watchersand TheAudubon Societyhas used Madrona Marsh for their annual bird census since 1967.El Camino Collegeuses it as an outdoorbiologyandbotanylab.
The Madrona Marsh Nature Center is operated by the City of Torrance in cooperation with the Friends of the Madrona Marsh. Activities include bird and nature walks, natural history classes and workshops, habitat restoration, science and astronomy programs, art exhibits, and children's nature programs. The center opened in 2001 and features exhibits about the plants, birds and animals of the marsh.[5]Thenature centerfor the Preserve is across the street.[6][7]
See also[edit]
- Ballona Wetlands Ecological Preserve
- Gardena Willows Wetland Preserve
- Los Cerritos Wetlands
- Bixby Marshland
References[edit]
- ^"Madrona Marsh Nature Preserve".Geographic Names Information System.United States Geological Survey,United States Department of the Interior.RetrievedAugust 19,2017.
- ^Gnerre, Sam (June 30, 2010)."Madrona Marsh | South Bay History".Daily Breeze.RetrievedJanuary 3,2022.
- ^Green, Nick (July 16, 2008)."Chevron's act helps Madrona Marsh Preserve grow".Daily Bulletin.RetrievedJanuary 3,2022.
- ^Fleming, Charles (June 14, 2019)."L.A. Walks: The path to a vibrant marsh in Torrance's industrial core".Los Angeles Times.RetrievedJune 16,2019.
- ^Agostoni, Kristin (April 11, 2008)."Madrona Marsh center unveils new exhibit".Daily News.RetrievedJanuary 3,2022.
- ^Osier, Valerie (December 29, 2017)."Old hats and newbies come together to decorate Carson, Torrance Rose Parade floats".Daily Breeze.RetrievedJanuary 2,2018.
- ^Green, Nick (April 26, 2017)."Torrance has the design for its 2018 Rose Parade float but not the money".Daily Breeze.RetrievedJanuary 2,2018.
External links[edit]
- City of Torrance - Madrona Marsh Nature Center,City of Torrance Parks and Recreation, including tour and activity schedules
- Friends of Madrona Marshwebsite with additional history and activity information.