We are big fans of Algalita and the the good work they do by bringing attention to the negative impacts of single-use plastic products that are now ubiquitous throughout the planet.
Single use plastic products find their way into our rivers and wetlands, where they can harm wildlife. That’s why the Los Cerritos Wetlands Land Trust supported Long Beach’s ban on single use plastic bags and later styrofoam products when they came before the City Council. Recently, Long Beach went even further and banned the use of single-use plastic straws, which can also be devastating to wildlife. Plastic is everywhere, and it is harming our planet as it is harming us humans who have become far too dependent on this convenient man-made substance.
Algalita will be hosting a screening of the long-awaited documentary, The Story of Plastic, at the Long Beach Art Theatre on Monday, March 2, 2020 at 8:00PM.
This film shows a whole new side of the story of plastic, and it’s going to change the way we talk about plastic. I urge you to make the time to see this film. I’ll be there and hope you will too!
As an organization, the Los Cerritos Wetlands Land Trust has come a long way from that first group of citizens who gathered in someone’s living room to begin the conversation of how they, ordinary people, could work together to advocate for the protection and preservation of rapidly vanishing coastal wetlands. Fast forward to today, when almost half of Los Cerritos Wetlands are safely in the public’s hands, and the conversation is more and more about how best to restore and rehabilitate them.
That is good news, and it is important to take the time to celebrate it.
Of course there is bad news for the environment these days, and much of it is emanating from Washington D.C. These are concerning times for those of us who care about our nation’s parks, wilderness areas, and open spaces. I worry about their safety and their future. However, much can be done to protect the environment at the local level, and with your help, we are persevering here in our cities, where it will be more important than ever to emerge as leaders in climate science and conservation. Despite the current regressive environmental policies at the federal level, we are excited about our progress locally, as plans move forward to transfer more of Los Cerritos Wetlands into the public trust and restore them. We celebrate our innovative programs for the public to experience our wetlands, as well as the expansion of our outdoor education for local school children. We’re also proud that our city has implemented a ban of many polystyrene products, keeping harmful pollution out of our fragile wetlands and coastal ecosystems. These are the local victories that will uplift and sustain us during these challenging times.
The fight to protect and restore Los Cerritos Wetlands will continue into the new year and beyond. We are grateful in the knowledge that we will prevail because of the partnership and support of our members. I urge you to affirm or renew your commitment to the restoration, exploration, and defense of Los Cerritos Wetlands by making a tax deductible donation to the Land Trust today.
Donations of up to $6,000 to Los Cerritos Wetlands Land Trust will be matched dollar-to-dollar through December 31, 2019.
To donate click here.
Don’t forget. We have two interesting
community events coming up in January.
Wetlands Nature Walk on Saturday, January 4th, 2020
Join us and our partners, educators from the biological consulting company, Tidal Influence, on our Heron Hike to the Marketplace Marsh and back at Los Cerritos Wetlands on Saturday, January 4th.
Our walk begins with a brief orientation to our wetlands. We will discuss the history and ownership of various parcels within Los Cerritos Wetlands. We will then walk towards the levee and discuss the reintroduction of the tides. After that, using oil roads, we will walk to the old bridge on the levee and discuss the San Gabriel River and the future of bringing water back into the land. Then we will view the City-owned lands, including Marketplace Marsh. After that, we will head back to our meeting place, Bring binoculars, if you have them; we will observe many different kinds of interesting wildlife.
Parking lot gate will open at 7:45 am and close at 8:15 am. No latecomers can be admitted for the tour, and all participants must stay for the entire tour, which will end by 10:00 am.
Meet in the driveway/parking area at the corner of 1st Street and PCH in Seal Beach. Close-toed shoes required; and kids under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
For more information email Elizabeth or download this hike flyer.
Draft Environmental Impact Report status update meeting for comprehensive restoration planning
The group running the planning effort for the Los Cerritos Wetlands Authority’s comprehensive planning process will be hosting a status update meeting on January 23, 2020 at the Recreation Park Community Center at 4900 E. 7th St in Long Beach, CA 90804. The meeting starts at 6:30PM, and I urge you to attend. At the meeting you will learn about the next steps for our local wetlands. Look for additional details in upcoming emails, or for further information contact LCWA@tidalinfluence.com.
Please join the Los Cerritos Wetlands Land Trust for a very special screening and program on Sunday, September 29.
Advance purchase tickets for this event are $10. Tickets bought day of event are $12. To buy tickets click HERE.
“Artifishal” is a film about people, rivers and the fight for the future of wild fish and the environment that supports them. It explores wild salmon’s slide towards extinction, threats posed by fish hatcheries and fish farms, and our continued loss of faith in nature.
Come early and mingle. Directly following the screening, attendees are invited to stay and hear from Colin Kelly, Senior Staff Attorney for Orange County Coastkeeper. He will update us on our own local marine ecosystems and threats due to proposed aquaculture off our local coastline.
Doors open at 10:30 a.m.
Screening of “Artifishal” begins at 11:00 a.m. (duration 75 minutes)
Special guest speaker Colin Kelly, Senior Staff Attorney- Orange County Coastkeeper begins at 12:20 p.m.
Measure W, the Safe Clean Water Program, was passed in 2018. Los Angeles County is currently in the process of implementing the numerous Measure W programs that will help improve and protect water quality.
Click here to send a letter to our Los Angeles County Board of Supervisor to encourage Measure W implementation will address local flood risks and other nature-based priorities.
