The City of Long Beach hosted their first Climate Adaption and Action Plan on Saturday, June 2nd.
It was an interesting event with lots of participation from many different Long Beach residents and community members. Of course Long Beach will be hard hit with the consequences of climate change. . .from it’s impact on our local wetlands to harm done to important infrastructure to how “heat islands” will endanger the most vulnerable amongst us. It’s good news that the City of Long Beach is preparing for climate change and you should do your part and participate. To that end, Long Beach has prepared a climate change survey that I urge you to fill out in order to share with the City your views and concerns.
Thankfully, our local wetlands can help mitigate the impacts of climate change. Wetlands absorb water from high tides, which lessens the consequences of flooding. Wetlands provide food and shelter to fragile species who are already stressed by having to go longer distances to search for food, as well as lessened or displaced food sources. Also thankfully, as comprehensive restoration planning moves forward for Los Cerritos Wetlands, how to plan for and make wetlands resilient to climate change will be part of the conversation. For further details check out the Opportunities and Constraints Report of the Los Cerritos Wetlands Conceptual Restoration Plan.
On Wednesday, June 6th, our partner in marine conservation, Algalita Foundation, is participating in the nationwide screening of the film BLUE.
The local screening will be at the Edwards Long Beach Stadium 26 & IMAX Long Beach Towne Center. BLUE looks like a truly inspirational film and the website has some great (and easy to accomplish) tips anyone can do to protect our ocean.
Even if you can’t attend the screening I urge you to check out the website, watch the trailer and learn about the simple things you can do to protect our ocean and the planet. If we all do a little bit, together we can make a difference.
Prop 68 invests in safeguarding our water supplies and preparing for future challenges and natural disasters. Prop 68 is a $4 billion investment in the coming years to protect California’s unique natural resources and ensure every Californian has access to clean drinking water and safe parks.
Los Cerritos Wetlands Land Trust has joined a broad, bipartisan coalition of conservation groups, park advocates, water experts, and business organizations committed to supporting Yes On 68 California and protecting our state’s water and parks for years to come. Notable supporters include Governor Jerry Brown, The Nature Conservancy, The Trust for Public Land and our fellow local wetlands advocacy group, the Bolsa Chica Land Trust.
The City of Long Beach is developing its first-ever Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP), and they need your input. Climate change impacts all of us and will forever shape our local wetlands. However, did you know that wetlands are also important mitigators of the effects of sea level rise? Robust and healthy wetlands help communities be resilient to impacts that could arise from climate change. Let’s all do our part to make Long Beach as resilient to climate change as possible. Attend the meeting or visit http://www.lbds.info/climateactionlb to learn more.
Video of our local sea turtles provided by the Aquarium of the Pacific. See the turtles for yourself on Saturday, June 2nd.
On Saturday, June 2nd, you are invited to join us for a free 2-hour guided wetlands nature walk, led by naturalists from the environmental consulting group Tidal Influence. We will look for wildlife sightings, learn about our rich ecosystems, reflect on history, and see current restoration activities.
Our walk begins with a brief orientation to our wetlands. We will discuss their history and see an important portion of them, including the Pumpkin Patch property, as we walk along the San Gabriel River to view the sea turtles. On our return, we will stop at Zedler Marsh, where there is a nursery for wetlands plants and where restoration is in process. We will then walk on the levee back to our meeting place. Bring binoculars, if you have them; besides the turtles, we will observe many different kinds of interesting wildlife.
Meet and park in the driveway at the intersection of 1st street and PCH in Seal Beach. Our walk starts at 8:00 a.m., and the parking lot gate closes at 8:15 a.m. No latecomers can be admitted. Events are family friendly, but strollers are not permitted, and all participants need to be able to walk a couple of miles (slowly) without having to turn back. Close-toed shoes are required, and please bring sunscreen and water. Rain cancels. For more information or to rsvp send an email to elizabeth@lcwlandtrust.org.
P.S. After our nature walk, you are invited to join in and help the community-based restoration of Los Cerritos Wetlands, which takes place from 10:30 am -12:30 pm the first Saturday of every month. Participants are eligible to win prizes such as a T-shirt or tickets to the Aquarium of the Pacific. Meet at the same place we meet for our nature walks. For further information about the restoration activities email iwanttohelp@tidalinfluence.com.
