The Ballona Wetlands is next to Marina del Rey and is the largest wetlands area in the Los Angeles basin, an expanse measuring 300 acres. The wetlands encompasses fresh and salt water bodies, including the Ballona Creek which runs through the area. It is a habitat for more than 200 major bird species and various other creatures including free-roaming foxes. The wetlands are a natural preserve that is unfortunately off-limits to tourists. But it can still be toured from afar by heading west on Jefferson Boulevard and taking a left turn onto Culver Boulevard. While it may be difficult to spot the wildlife from this vantage point, the terrain is unique and offers an escape from urban LA.[1]
In recent years, the wetlands have been the subject of a battle between environmentalists and real estate developers, with both sides trying to control the prime real estate. Today, the Ballona remains the only preserve of old bogs left in a region that was once lined with them throughout the mid-coastal area.[2]
References:
Dickey, Jeff. Los Angeles, 3rd Edition. Rough Guides, 2003. ISBN: 1843530589.
[1] Dickey, 142
[2] Id.
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