summer 2009 madrona marsh preserve and nature center … · 2018. 8. 2. · semblyman ted lieu...

Continued. . .

Cheral Sherman brings a Friends of Gardena Willows exhibit tothe Torrance Fair.

-1--1--1--1--1-

Madrona Marsh Hosts FirstMadrona Marsh Hosts FirstMadrona Marsh Hosts FirstMadrona Marsh Hosts FirstMadrona Marsh Hosts FirstTorrance Environmental Fair!Torrance Environmental Fair!Torrance Environmental Fair!Torrance Environmental Fair!Torrance Environmental Fair!

(Special thanks to Tracy Drake for photos in thisand related story.)

The parking lot outside the Madrona Marsh Na-ture Center buzzed with activity on Saturday, June 13,as over a thousand people visited the first Environ-mental Fair held by the City of Torrance.

Mayor Frank Scotto, accompanied by Environ-mental Quality Commission Chair, Paul McCabe, wel-comed a slowly gathering multitude at the 10 a.m. startof the fair.

Councilmen Bill Sutherland, Gene Barnett andCliff Numark were also in attendance, as was City Man-ager Leroy Jackson.

A spokeswoman for Con-gresswoman Jane Harmonpresented the Mayor with a cer-tificate lauding the City for itsefforts to inform its citizensabout opportunities to saveenergy and improve the envi-ronment (at right). State As-semblyman Ted Lieu ad-dressed the crowd later in themorning adding, his ownpraise.

––Bill Arrowsmith

Over forty exhibits were set up in the parking lot:Environmental groups included our own Friends of Mad-rona Marsh and Madrona Marsh Foundation, as well asthe Environmental Priorities Network, PV Audubon So-ciety, California Native Plant Society, Sierra Club, TreePeople, Friends of Gardena Willows, SeaLab, South BayEnvironmental Services Center and even the AlaskanWilderness League. The City hosted several Team Ex-hibits, including Water, Recycling, Storm Water and

Summer 2009Summer 2009Summer 2009Summer 2009Summer 2009

Ma d r o n a M a r s h P r e s e r v e a n d N a t u r e C e n t e rM a d r o n a M a r s h P r e s e r v e a n d N a t u r e C e n t e rM a d r o n a M a r s h P r e s e r v e a n d N a t u r e C e n t e rM a d r o n a M a r s h P r e s e r v e a n d N a t u r e C e n t e rM a d r o n a M a r s h P r e s e r v e a n d N a t u r e C e n t e r

Mayor Frank Scotto welcomes attendees to the first TorranceEnvironmental Fair on June 13 as organizer Linda Cessna (3rdfrom right) and Councilmen Gene Barnett and Bill Sutherlandlook on.

State Assemblyman Ted Lieu addresses attendees of first TorranceEnvironmental Fair on June 13.

Green Action, as well as onefrom the EnvironmentalQuality Commission.

We learned about lo-cal history at the DominguezAdobe display, how to im-prove our wildlife picturesfrom Paul’s Photo and howto attract birds to our ownback yards from BobShanman of Wild Birds Un-limited. Jack Walser en-couraged us to come to hisTorrance facility to disposeof hazardous electronicwaste and The Living Christ-mas Company suggestedrenting a live tree from theminstead of buying a deadone.

Four solar panel installers exhibited the latest inclean energy technology for the home, and Solatubeinstaller Gibson’s Roofing demonstrated novel devicesto bring sunlight into dark rooms. Promoters of twohybrid electric cars, a biodiesel car, a fuel-cell car andone all-electric car showed us how to ‘go green’ on theroad. Brad Bartz, of ABC Solar, demonstrated a solarpanel that tracks the sun across the sky powered by itsown energy and he cooked several batches of cookiesin a solar oven, to the delight of passersby.

The Nature Center Assembly Room featured anew environmental speaker every half-hour on sub-jectsfrom electric cars and solar panels to water-wise gar-dening and Green Poetry.

In the Nature Center Lab there were Green Craftsfor Kids and in the Exhibit Hall, a Green Building andGreen City slide show. If all that was not enough activ-ity for you, Marsh tours were offered at 11 a.m. and 1p.m.

By any measure, the Fair was a huge success,and it was very well organized. For that we are espe-cially grateful to Linda Cessna of City staff and Pre-serve Manager Tracy Drake, and also Lillian Light and

Distance shot of south line of exhibitors at Torrance EnvironmentalFair. Councilman Cliff Numark talks to representative fromCongresswoman Jane Harmon's office in foreground; vehicles onright are gas-electric hybrid andfuel cell powered.

Pictured at right, Erin Portway(foreground) selects thewinning ticket for the MadronaMarsh Foundation raffle asher friend and MMF PresidentJill Klaussen look on.

-2-2-2-2-2-----

Lillian Light at Environmen-tal Priorities Network Booth.

Virginia Hilker with ‘cleanbiker’

A young fairgoer and hismother take the "How GreenAre You?" test at Fair,applying a colored dot to theboard to indicate theirenvironmentally soundchoices.

A young fairgoerputs the finaltouches on hise n v i ro n m e n t a lartwork at Fair'scraft workshop.

The Nature Center laboratory becomes acraft workshop for younger fair attendees.

Virginia Hilker, shownabove. Lillian and Virginiawere primarily responsible, through the EnvironmentalPriorities Network (EPN) for getting the original EnergyFair started in Rancho Palos Verdes in 2006. (Virginiais also one of original founders of FOMM.)

The EPN has sponsored an Energy Fair in RanchoPalos Verdes for the past two years. This year theyasked Torrance to help them continue that work andthe inaugural Torrance Environmental Fair was the won-derful result! Thank you, Virginia and Lillian!

Marsh Mailing is a quarterly newsletter designedto provide information about activities and upcomingevents at or relating to the Madrona Marsh Preserve.Contributions are welcome and may be e-mailed to DianeGonsalves at [email protected] or Bill Arrowsmith,[email protected], or dropped off ormailed to the Nature Center.

The first Environmental Fair in Torrance was suc-cessful beyond most of our expectations. The weatherstarted a bit chilly, but warmed up nicely by midday –and the crowd seemed to do likewise, increasing in num-bers as the temperature rose.

In addition to exciting new environmental infor-mation and clean energy technologies that the fair of-fered up to the thousand or so attendees, there weresome unexpected serendipities for some of the envi-ronmental groups and exhibitors themselves.

For instance, both the Friends of Madrona Marshand the Madrona Marsh Foundation had booths at theFair (shown above)–intentionally set next to each otherin an attempt to let fairgoers know that we are, indeed,co-operative sibling organizations with the common goalof continuing and improving the programs, resourcesand educational opportunities at the Madrona MarshPreserve and Nature Center. We were able to explainthat the Friends focus on the near term, helping theCity of Torrance run educational and restoration pro-grams and providing occasional educational or main-tenance resources as needed. That allows the Foun-dation to focus exclusively on a goal of long-term fi-nancial security for Marsh programs, without worryingabout the week-to-week operation of the Preserve.That’s it in a nutshell, and just being able to present

that information to fair attendees was a great opportu-nity for both FOMM and MMF.

Ideally, the Foundation will one day be able to col-lect enough contributions to create a self-sustaining en-dowment, but they must start with slightly smaller goalsand build up to that level. Which brings us to our sec-ond bit of Fair serendipity. Jack Walser, who had hisown booth at the Fair, said he would like to discuss anopportunity with the Friends and Foundation; so JillKlaussen, the President of MMF and I went over to talkwith him.

Jack Walser already provides a valuable serviceto the City of Torrance: he operates Walser’s E-wasteand Metal Recycle Collection on Kashiwa Court (justnorth of Torrance Memorial Hospital). This facilityhandles E-waste–everything from old cameras, com-puters, and cell phones to fluorescent light bulbs–sav-ing us all a trip to the nearest permanent County col-lection center on Gaffey Street in San Pedro.

But Mr. Walser told us he sees many items, fromrefrigerators to TV sets, being recycled when they arestill useable, or at least refurbishable. They just need amiddle-man to find them a new home. So he plans toexpand his operation to do just that–provide a marketfor re-useable electronics and appliances. Great, butwhere do we come in?

Mr. Walser has offered to give the Foundation apercentage of the profits from his new operation! Thismay end up being a triple win: (1) the Foundation willhave a new source of funding, (2) Mr. Walser may seean increase in customers, once they know that theirdiscarded items will result in funding for the Marsh, and(3) we all win, as re-use of an item is much more en-ergy efficient and less polluting than recycling.

Details of the arrangement are still pending butwill be reported in this publication and on our websitewhen they have been determined. Our thanks to Mr.Walser for this very generous offer!

Postscripts to the FairPostscripts to the FairPostscripts to the FairPostscripts to the FairPostscripts to the Fair––Bill Arrowsmith

-3--3--3--3--3- • Bob Shanman

George Walkermans the MadronaMarsh Foundation'sbooth; items onright side of tablewere raffled off fora nice profit!

Mary Garrity and Sue Schimke take the first shift at the FOMMFair booth.

The FOMM Board of Directors• Bill Arrowsmith, President• Connie Vadheim, Vice President• Ellen Peterson, Treasurer• Carol Roelen, Recording Secretary• Jeanne Bellemin• Bill Forrest• Mary Garrity• Sarah Noddings• Archie Phillips• Suzan Hubert• Bobbie Snyder

4/16/09, 5:56 p.m.--The drone of the pumps providingair to the western toad aquariums hums loudly behindme. The sound almost completely covers up the soundof the singing crickets. Five minutes ago, LindaGonzales went home for the day, thirty minutes earlierSue Schimke left. I am trying so hard to sit completelystill by the front door of the Nature Center and focus onthe sounds around me to cover up the sadness, andhope for their return, but it’s not working. I am sad.

All day the crows havebeen attempting to take theSay’s Phoebe nest downand eat the babies and/orthe eggs in the nest. Suecried “NO” loudly as the nesthit the ground.

Diligence of staff andvolunteers kept the babessafe almost all day–that isuntil a little while ago. Thecrows won. Two babies andan egg–so carefully caredfor by both parents–weredead. The parents werefrantically flying from perchto perch as their family was destroyed. The tuft onpapa’s head, normally just visible, was fully extended.He seemed to sense the measure of his loss; so didwe.

But there was not time to mourn; baby finchesresided in the nest under the eve, just east of the phoebenest. It was the next target. What could be done, ifanything, to save these wee ones? Within fifteen min-utes, Linda, Sue and I had created and installed a card-board barrier along the edge of the eve that we thoughtmight help.

We even put the phoebe nest back up, hopingmama would come back and try again to have young,as she had done last season. She did not come back,but the crows did! One crow yanked the nest over thebarrier and pulled it to the ground again! This one crowput forth so much effort–it was astounding! It had anamazing acrobatic/athletic ability to get under the ledgeand then up past the barrier to reclaim the nest.

6:19 p.m. - Sitting perfectly still so I will not frightenmama when/if she returns, I am haunted by the memo-ries of the lost birds and worry for the parents’ future.Will they re-mate this year? Is it too late? Where couldthey be safe? These are the same phoebes that first

nested at the Nature Center in 2006–marking return ofthe species to breeding at the Preserve after not hav-ing bred there (according to Kimball Garrett, ornitholo-gist for the LA Natural History Museum) since 1906!This pair was our success story, proof that our restora-tion efforts were successful. These phoebes had found,for the past three years, the perfect mix of food, water,and safe shelter to raise a family. Now safety was anissue.

6:26 p.m. - The pumps drone on, no one returns–no crows, no finches and no phoebes. Time for me togo home.

4/21/09 - Ron Melin comes into the Nature Cen-ter with a curious observation. “I think the Say’s wantto nest in the Think Vehicle (electric vehicle) shed orthe metal tool shed. They keep flying in and out of both,like they are checking them both out!” he says. I re-solve to leave both open and put up caution tape block-ing the entrance. Maybe, we think, they will try again....

4/24/09 - Ron reports that the phoebes are build-ing a nest in the Think Vehicle shed. We all begin tohope the phoebes will have a second clutch of eggssoon.

All during the first few weeks in May we stay awayfrom the shed area–even when curiosity comes, wekeep our distance. Through binoculars, we see mamaand papa bring nesting material into the shed. But nei-ther is spending too much time there. They do notspend their nights in there. They simply come and go.They are just working.

Life on the Preserve and in the Nature Center ismuch the same. Programs run, people come to learnabout native plant gardens, birds, insects; kids learnabout dinosaurs. Seniors take walks and we preparefor the upcoming Environmental Fair. High school kidswork hard on restoration of the Preserve. Hundredswork in a single month.

It is their work–and the work of Linda Gonzaleswho grows all of our plants; and Ron Melin and DanielMarion who run restoration programs and keep theyoung plants watered–that is the reason the phoebestried again. We all know the phrase, “If you build it,they will come,” from the “Field of Dreams.” Only, forus, the “they” are the native insects that return to na-tive plants. These insects are the food source for manyof the species of birds that have returned. Entire cyclesof life have returned. One, of course, is the life cycle of

The Struggle to Survive and ThriveThe Struggle to Survive and ThriveThe Struggle to Survive and ThriveThe Struggle to Survive and ThriveThe Struggle to Survive and Thrive––Tracy Drake

Manager/Naturalist

A Story of the Say’s PhoebeA Story of the Say’s PhoebeA Story of the Say’s PhoebeA Story of the Say’s PhoebeA Story of the Say’s Phoebe

Tracy Continues on Page 8 .-4--4--4--4--4-

Shirley’s TurnShirley’s TurnShirley’s TurnShirley’s TurnShirley’s Turn––Shirley Turner

When leading walks the question is frequentlyasked, “What is the source of the water?” Walkers aresurprised to hear that it is all rain and street runoff. When I was looking for a poem for my book club in aChildren’s Literature Collection I was taken with the“Song of the Brook,” by Alfred Lord Tennyson. He livedfrom 1809 to 1892. In 1850 he was Poet Laureate ofthe United Kingdom, following William Wordsworth. Observation of nature was among Tennyson’s severalthemes.

In “Song of the Brook,” Tennyson writes, “For menmay come and men may go, But I (water) go on for-ever.” Think of your life. What has man done to theworld now? With no summer school, suggest to chil-dren poems to memorize, or suggest that they enroll inWednesday Junior Naturalist Classes at the Marsh.

But what happens when man dams and divertsthe river for agriculture?

Have you seen the price of salmon? Recent newsof the Sacramento river salmon decline tells us why.The March 2009 "Daily Briefing for Politics, Policy, andProgressive Action" gives a very good explanation forbanning sport fishing again this year. Among othersolutions, sending more water down the river so thefingerling salmon can swim to the ocean is a possiblechoice.

Where would we be then? Drought tolerant plantswill be more of a necessity. Take in some of ConnieVadheim’s classes on Native Plants and wanderthrough the Marsh and native gardens to learn whatyou would like to plant in order to save water.

In recent times “Old Man River” just keeps rollingalong (the Mississippi River) is another use of the sub-ject. What other literature deals with rivers?

Another river story is “Down the Nile in aFisherman’s Skiff,” by Rosemary Mahoney, first pub-lished in paperback by Back Bay Books in 2008. Shetells the story of her rowing adventures on the Nile Riverwhich flows north into the Mediterranean Sea. Sherowed about 120 miles from Aswan to Quena.

The book includes the river’s history, landscapeon both sides–green and desert, and the Egyptianpeople themselves. It is as much about perseveranceas about crocodiles and currents.

It also is about respecting different cultures whileholding on to your own. L. A. Times review by SuzanSalter Reynolds states, “Her river is worthy of awe.”

“The prose unfurls a poetry of perception,” ob-serves Karen Long, writing in the Cleveland PlainDealer. One cannot help but think about and com-pare our canoe ride observations of the Preserve andbe thankful for it. . . .

Tyke Hike ReportTyke Hike ReportTyke Hike ReportTyke Hike ReportTyke Hike Report––Mary Garrity

May 7, 2009-Where are the ducks? Where arethe ducks? Why is the water gone?

A gang of 50 arrived for the May Tyke Hike on anunseasonably warm Spring morning and they were filledwith questions. Hermosa Beach Mom’s Club, grand-pas, uncles, cousins, friends, sisters…they all came!

Daniel did a superb job of gathering the tykes to-gether and gaining their attention for our “Nature Hunt.”We passed out their assigned ‘popsicle stick photos”and we were off on our adventure. Nearly all of thetykes discovered their photo assignments and they werequite happy to do so as they announced each and ev-ery discovery as we strolled along. We discovered aMom Mallard with her chicks but upon hearing the dinof young voices she ran for cover into the nearest tules.We ventured into the “jungle” and found a cool respitefrom the sun in nature’s air conditioner of the willowtrees.

We all found our way back to the Nature Centerand the tykes and moms remained for a look at theturtles, snakes, and the exhibit hall.

Whew! They were a large crew to keep in tow butthey discovered and learned…which is what the hike ismeant to do for these pre-schoolers.

June 4, 2009-On a rather grey overcast June 4thmorning 10 tykes arrived with their moms in tow.

They were a small yet highly vocal and livelygroup, with adventure on their agendas. They werecompletely outfitted properly with their ‘bright red lady-bug’ and ‘green froggie’ rubber boots and it was evi-dent they were looking for mud.

The previous evening’s slight shower gave us apristine sandy path to begin our hike and our footprintswere the first to explore the Marsh, except for a fewnative inhabitants who left their tracks for us to identify.Harvester ants were engaged in a mammoth battle withthe black ants. Who won?

It was very exciting to find Pacific Tree Frogs hop-ping and jumping everywhere we looked. We pickedup a few to view at closer range and the tykes wereenthralled. We spotted a swallowtail butterfly flittingabout and stopped to listen to a few songs from birdswe could not see nor identify. We then entered the“snow cave” an eerie and fascinating path through thewillow trees where millions of fluffy seeds were driftingabout and resting on the branches and looking just likesnow. The tykes were mesmerized and it was certainlya terrific photo–op for the mom’s who are always “cam-era ready.”

Beth found us some very tall grasses and theystrolled through with great abandon.

-5--5--5--5--5-Mary-continues on page 8.eeeee

-6--6--6--6--6-

Madrona Marsh Preserve and Nature CenterMadrona Marsh Preserve and Nature CenterMadrona Marsh Preserve and Nature CenterMadrona Marsh Preserve and Nature CenterMadrona Marsh Preserve and Nature CenterSchedule of Events*

July -October 2009

*All activities and classes meet at the Madrona Marsh Nature Center, located at 3201 Plazadel Amo (between Maple and Madrona) on the north side of the street. For the very latest onevents visit www.friendsofmadronamarsh.com. **See Artists Corner, page 10.

JULYJULYJULYJULYJULY

2525252525

44444

1111111111

8:45 am-12 n-Habitat Restor.8:45 am-Student Serv.Learning10 am-12 n-Out of the Wild &Into Your Garden/ Vadheim

SundaySundaySundaySundaySunday MondayMondayMondayMondayMonday WednesdayWednesdayWednesdayWednesdayWednesday ThursdayThursdayThursdayThursdayThursdayTuesdayTuesdayTuesdayTuesdayTuesday FridayFridayFridayFridayFriday SaturdaySaturdaySaturdaySaturdaySaturday

CLOSED

101010101077777 888886666655555

1919191919 2020202020 2121212121 2222222222 2323232323 2424242424

2727272727

CLOSED

CLOSED

CLOSED

2828282828

8 am-Bird Walk/Bob Shanman10 am-12 n-Weeders10 am-12 n-Junior Naturalist7:15-9 pm-FOMM Board Meeting

10 am-12 n-HabitatRestoration-Weeders7 pm-Audubon meets

8:30 am-Tour de’ Torrance10 am-12 n-Weeders

10 am-Tyke Hike

10 am-12 n-Weeders10 am-12 n-Junior Nauralist

10 am-12 n-Weeders10 am-12 n-Junior Naturalist

2-4 pm-Second SundayScience-“Butterflies”

10 a.m-Nature Walk

10 am-12 n-HabitatRestoration-Weeders10 am-12 n-Junior Naturalist

8:45 am-12 n-Habitat Restor.8:45 am-Student Serv.Learning10 am- 12 n-AnnualButterfly Count Class

Butterfly Count-ALL DAY!8:45 am-12 n-Habitat Restor.8:45-Student Serv. Learning

11111 3333322222

9 am-Morningson the Marsh10 am-12 n-HabitatRestoration-Weeders

181818181813131313131212121212 1515151515 1616161616 1717171717

2626262626 2929292929

8:45 am-12 n-Habitat Restor.8:45-Student Serv. Learning10 am- Nature Walk2-4 pm-Are We Alone?

99999

5:30-6:30 pm-MMF Board Meeting

10 am-12 n-HabitatRestoration-Weeders10 am-12 n-Jr. Naturalist

10 am-12 n-Weeders

8:30 am-Tour de’ Torrance

1414141414

3030303030

6:30-8:30 pm-Out ofthe Wilds & Into YourGarden/ Dr. Vadheim

3131313131

6:30-8:30 pm-TelescopeWorkshop



Stephen WestExhibit Ends6:30-8:30 pm-TelescopeWorkshop

1-3 pm-Photography& Poetry Workshop

AUGUSTAUGUSTAUGUSTAUGUSTAUGUST

2222222222

11111

88888

8:45 am-12 n-Hab.Restor.8:45-Student Serv.Learning10 am-12n-Dr. Vadheim-Gardening on Sand2-4 pm-Math of Nature/Nature of Math


CLOSED

7777744444 555553333322222

1616161616 1717171717 1818181818 1919191919 2020202020 2121212121

2424242424CLOSED

CLOSED

CLOSED

2525252525

10 am-12 n-HabitatRestoration-Weeders

10 am-12 n-Weeders7 p.m.-Audubon Mtg.


10 am-Tyke Hike

8 am-Bird Walk/Bob Shanman10 am-12 n-HabitatRestoration-Weeders7:15-9 pm-FOMM Board Meeting


2-4 pm-Second SundayScience- “What’sBuzzing in YourBackyard?”

10 am- Nature Walk 10 am-12 n-Weeders

8:45 am-12 n-Habitat Restor.8:45am-Student Serv.Learning2-4 pm-UnderstandingEarthquakes6:30-8:30 pm-Night Hike

8:45am-12 n-Habitat Restor.8:45am-Student Serv.Learning

9 am-Morningson the Marsh10 am-12 n-HabitatRestoration-Weeders4-6 pm-Environ-mental Interpretation.

1515151515101010101099999 1212121212 1313131313 1414141414

2323232323 2626262626

66666

5:30-6:30 p.m.-MMF Board Meeting

10 am-12 n-Weeders


1111111111

2727272727 2828282828 29292929298:45 am-12 n-Hab. Restor.8:45 am-Student Serv.Learning8-10 pm-Star Party

6:30-8:30 pm- /Dr.Vadheim-Gardeningon Sand

8:45 am-12 n-Hab.Restor.8:45am-Student Serv.Learning10 am-Nature Walk

3030303030 3131313131

6:30-8:30-Doug SimmsStenhouseReception**

Doug StenhouseExhibit Begins**

CLOSED

-7--7--7--7--7-

*All activities and classes meet at the Madrona Marsh Nature Center, located at 3201 Plazadel Amo (between Maple and Madrona) on the north side of the street. For the very latest onevents visit www.friendsofmadronamarsh.com. **See Artists Corner, page 10.

Brought to you byFriends of Madrona Marsh

Nature Center (310) 782-3989Gift Shop (310) 320-8255

SEPTEMBERSEPTEMBERSEPTEMBERSEPTEMBERSEPTEMBER

2626262626

55555

1212121212

8:45 am-12 n-Habitat Restor.8:45am-Student Serv.Learning10 am-12 n-“Weeds,Weeds,Weeds”/ Dr.Vadheim


CLOSED

111111111188888 999997777766666

2020202020 2121212121 2222222222 2323232323 2424242424 2525252525

2828282828

CLOSED

CLOSED

CLOSED

2929292929

8 am-Bird Walk/Bob Shanman10 am-12 n-Weeders7:15-9 pm-FOMM Board Meeting

10 am-12 n- Weeders

10 am-12 n-Weeders

10 am-Tyke Hike


2-4 pm-Second SundayScience-FallMigration

10 a.m-Nature Walk1-3 pm-Writing WildWorkshop/BethShibata


8:45 am-12 n-Habitat Restor.8:45am-Student Serv.Learning

8:45 am-12 n-Habitat Restor.8:45am-Student Serv.Learning6:30-8:30 pm-Night Hike

4444433333

9 am-Morningson the Marsh10 am-12 n-Weeders6:30-8:30 pm-“Weeds, Weeds,Weeds/Dr.Vadheim

191919191914141414141313131313 1616161616 1717171717 1818181818

2727272727 3030303030

8:45 am-12 n-Habitat Restor.Student Service Learning8:45am-Student Serv. Learning10 am-12 n-Nature Walk

1010101010



1515151515

22222111118:30 am-Tour de’ Torrance 10 am-12 n-Weeders

CLOSED

10 am-12 n-Weeders7 pm-Audubon meets

Mark ComonExhibit Begins**

DougStenhouseExhibitEnds

10 am-12 n-HabitatRestoration-Weeders5:30-6:30 pm-MMF Board Meeting

2424242424


CLOSED

1313131313

1010101010

12121212121111111111

999998888866666 777775555544444

1717171717

1818181818 1919191919 2121212121 2222222222 2323232323

1414141414 1515151515 1616161616

CLOSED

CLOSED

3333322222

10 am-12 n-Weeders

8:45 am-12 n-Habitat Restor.8:45am-Student Serv. Learning10 am-12 n-Bio-diesel Fuel

8:45 am-12 n-Habitat Restor.8:45am-Student Serv. Learning10 am-12 n-Nature Walk11 am-12:30 pm-Fall Festival ofCrafts for Kids

8:45 am-12 n-Habitat Restor.8:45am-Student Serv.LearningNo “Out of the Wilds” class2-3 pm-Story Time for Kids

8:45 am-12 n-Habitat Restor.8:45am-Student Serv. Learning12:30-1:15 pm-Bugs, Birds &Animal Songs (fee)2-4 pm-A Closer Look at Planets7:30-9:30 pm-Star Party

10 a.m.-Tyke Hike

10 am-12 n-Habitat-Weeders

10-12 n-Weeders10 am- 12 n-JuniorNaturalist

2 - 4 pm-SecondSunday Science-ACloser Look atRaptors

2020202020

8 a.m. Bird Walk/Bob Shanman

2929292929 3030303030

11111

9-11 am-Morningson the Marsh 7:15-9 pm-FOMM

Board Meeting

10 am-12 n-WeedersNo “Out of the Wildsclass

2828282828

8:30 am-Tour de’Torrance

7 pm- Audubon Mtg.

10 am-12 n-Weeders

8:30 am-Tourde’Torrance

10-12 noon-HabitatRestoration-Weeders

5:30-6:30 pm-MMF Meeting

2525252525 2626262626 2727272727


10 am-Nature Walk3131313131

CLOSED8:45 am-12 n-Habitat Restor.8:45am-Student Serv. Learning

OCTOBEROCTOBEROCTOBEROCTOBEROCTOBER

7 am-12n-FallPhoto Day atthe Marsh

1-3 pm-WritingWild Workshop(fee)

MarkComonArtistReception6:30-8:30 pm**

-8--8--8--8--8-

the Say’s Phoebe.

5/26/09 - Emile Fiesler, a volunteer and formerboard member, and I venture into the shed. She is onthe nest!!! And she blows by us to get the heck awayfrom us. Emile is tall enough to get the first photos ofthe two babies! They’re fuzz balls really, with bulgingeyes. We quickly leave to the sound of both mamaand papa’s worried cries. Amazing! But will the crowsget them again? We hope not this time.

Their eyes barely open…

5/30/09 - Emile returns to check on the babies.They are resting in the nest. Emile, on his tiptoes, cap-tures the photo shown here. Side by side, they rest,their eyes just barely opened. Mama does not want usaround. Again we leave the shed area, keeping visi-tors and workers at a distance from these precious weeones.

A week goes by. With binoculars we see bothparents bringing food into the shed. We hear the ur-gent calls of the babies begging to be fed. But we stayfar away so we do not upset the process.

Another week passes. We are busy in the NatureCenter making plans for the summer programs, con-tinuing to prepare for the Environmental Fair, workingon other projects. Hundreds of visitors come and go.…

6/06/09 - Ron sees the babies make their firstattempt at flight. They made it! He keeps his distance,giving the parents room to teach the young to fly.

6/10/09 - I can wait no longer. Camera in hand,I head stealthily to the sheds. I just want to capture afew pictures of the wee phoebes. Mama and papa, onthe other hand, have other plans! As soon as anyonecomes around, they fly like a shot directly at one of thebabies, making it ascend high into the air, then theyherd it fiercely and purposefully back into the safety ofthe shed. These parents aim to keep the babies safeno matter what. I watch them perform this aerial acro-batic maneuver many times – even when one of theyoung ones is just curious and wants to venture outinto the world on its own!

Tracy continued from page 4.

To their amazement many of their assigned pho-tos were discovered; beach primrose, sunflower, ants,tulles, harlequin beetles, tree frogs and a great numberof bees.

Returning to the Nature Center Beth had the turtleswaddling around for the tykes’ amusement and inter-est.

Two moms remained and lunched on the outdoorbenches. These children were inquisitive, lively, and ajoy to escort.

Continued from page 5.Mary-

6/16/09 - Mama and papaappear very thin for having takensuch good care of their youngones. The kids appear fluffy andfull. Papa, as shown to the right,is appreciative of the work we aredoing on the Preserve. We arescaring up bugs for him to eatas we do survey work, determin-ing the topography of the claylayer that is the water perch forour vernal pools. Papa got alot of grasshoppers as a result,but also got a bit of survey paint on his chest!

6/20/09 - Mama and papa are feeding the young-sters out on the Preserve and no longer use the shed.One can still hear an occasional cry from one of theyoung’uns, hoping for mama or papa to provide a meal,but they are learning to fend for themselves.

As I walk the Preserve now, I listen for them, watchfor them, and–when I am lucky enough to observe them–I know we are lucky to be able to watch their struggleto succeed. Another generation has come into being.With a sigh, I go back to the Nature Center knowingour efforts count – for that family and countless others–both people and animals. As we so often say, we havecreated a special place in Torrance where species cansurvive and thrive.

-9--9--9--9--9-

The Friends of Gardena Willows Wetland Pre-serve and the City of Gardena hosted their inauguralEnvironmental Festival on Saturday, May 30, 2009 atArthur Johnson Memorial Park in Gardena (formerlySouth Park).

Hundreds of people braved a cold and overcastday to attend the Festival. Music from a local DJ playedin the background as several hundred folks explored awide range of environmentally themed exhibits. Localwetlands organizations present included the Friendsof Madrona Marsh and Gardena’s own Friends of theGardena Willows.

A big Thank-You to Ellen Peterson, BobbieSnyder, and Sarah Noddings for refurbishing the FOMM‘travel kit’ in time for the festival!

Among the other environmental organizations atthe festival were the California Native Plant Society,the Environmental Priorities Network, and South BayWildlife Rehab Center–with live birds of prey. Severaldozen other exhibitors included the West Basin WaterDistrict, the City of Gardena Environmental Services,several solar panel installers, a Buddhist church, andeven a vendor of (electronic) ‘smokeless cigarettes.’

Gardena Willows Festival-A Cool Success!Gardena Willows Festival-A Cool Success!Gardena Willows Festival-A Cool Success!Gardena Willows Festival-A Cool Success!Gardena Willows Festival-A Cool Success!

Children’s activities and a food court were also afun part of the festival, which ran from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.,and there were also many give-away items and dem-onstrations. But perhaps the highlights of the festivalwere the interesting and informative public tours of theadjacent Gardena Willows Wetland Preserve offeredthroughout the day by Dr. Connie Vadheim and Mr. JohnThomlinson.

Congratulations to Cheral Sherman and theFriends of the Gardena Willows as well as the City ofGardena on a very well-run and very successful firstEnvironmental Festival! We all look forward to nextyear!

The Gardena Willows Wetland Preserve is opento the public on the second Sunday of every monthfrom 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., and the Friends hold a Restora-tion Work Day on the 3rd Saturday of the month, from8 to 11 a.m. Entrance is–– at the southwest corner ofArthur Johnson Memorial Park, located at 1200 West170th Street, Gardena (between Normandie and Ver-mont, one block north of Artesia).

FOMM booth, with Sarah Noddings at the post.

(Special thanks to Ellen Peterson and CheralSherman for supplying photos for this and related story.)

-10--10--10--10--10-

[The following article is taken from the July, 2009 issue of PopularScience]

The Perfect Biofuel?The Perfect Biofuel?The Perfect Biofuel?The Perfect Biofuel?The Perfect Biofuel?The technology is still experimental, but late last

year researchers at Penn State University discoveredhow to make methane–a main ingredient in natural gas–from the very thing driving climate change: carbondioxide. The key is microorganisms calledmethanogens.

Engineer Bruce Logan discovered that the organ-isms produced methane with nothing but water andcarbon dioxide when zapped with an electric current. Build a fuel cell around the microbes, and as long asthe electricity that feeds into the device comes from arenewable source like wind or solar, the process canprovide a carbon-neutral source of combustible fuel.

–Catherine Price

Thank You!Thank You!Thank You!Thank You!Thank You!The Friends would like to say a special “thank you”

to Gary Kuwahara and his associate, Sue Nagy, forpreparing income tax forms for both the FOMM, a501(c.3) non-profit corporatiion, and the Friends' GiftShop, which is also non-profit, as net proceeds are usedto support Marsh programs. Gary's accounting firm hasprepared our tax returns pro bono for many years, whichallow us to use all your contributions for the restorationof the Marsh and education of its visitors. Thank you,Gary and Sue!

–Ellen Peterson, Treasurer

Donations-$100 or MoreDonations-$100 or MoreDonations-$100 or MoreDonations-$100 or MoreDonations-$100 or More

DATE WHO DONATION4-8-09 Sarah Nodding-- $100

(Sarah donated hervan to The PeopleChoice Charities.They then donate$100 to the charityof Sarah’s choice.)

4-15-09 Bobbie Snyder $5004-16-09 Irma Ruiz $2004-16-09 Dorothy &

Anthony Vinter $1004-26-09 Juno & Ethel Uyematsu $1004-28-09 Crimi Roser Foundation $1004-28-09 Susan Gottlieb $5004-28-09 Brian & Joann Bailey $3005-1-09 Teresa Furey $1005-4-09 Chris & Ellen Velline $1005-22-09 Iris McKinley $1006-5-09 Betty-Jo Ravitz $120

Artists’ CornerArtists’ CornerArtists’ CornerArtists’ CornerArtists’ CornerWorks of local artists and photographers inspired

by the beauty of the Madrona Marsh are regularly ondisplay at the Nature Center. Everyone is invited toattend each artist’s reception where the artist talks abouthis/her work or gives a demonstration. Snacks and bev-erages are included.

Display your art at Madrona Marsh. Amateursare welcome. Submit your portfolio at the NatureCenter, 3201 Plaza del Amo. For more information,call 310-782-3989.

August 4-September 18 -Doug SimmsStenhouse, “Scenes of the Marsh,” An Exhibit of Paint-ings.” Artist’s Reception - Friday, August 21, 6:30-8:30p.m.

September 22-November 6 - Mark Comon, “TheMagnificent Marsh,” a Photography Exhibit. Artist’s Re-ception - Friday, October 9, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Pictured above is one of two handsome new benches in ourNative Plant Gardens donated by the Riviera Garden Club. Each bench provides an opportunity for visitors to relax andenjoy the sights and scents of the gardens. Thank you, RivieraGarden Club!

At the recent Torrance Environmental Fair, fairgoers indicate theirenvironmentally sound choices by applying colored dots to feltboard.

-11--11--11--11--11-

The Sanitation District of Los Angeles County hasrestored the 17-acre Bixby Marshland on its treatmentplant property southwest of the intersection ofSepulveda Boulevard and Figueroa Street in the Cityof Carson. Yes–that’s the one you’ve been able to seewhen you exit the northbound Harbor Freeway atSepulveda. According to the Bixby Marshland website:

“The Bixby Marshland is a remnant of a formerlyextensive, natural freshwater wetland known as BixbySlough. Due to various development projects, such asthe construction of the Harbor Freeway, housingprojects, and storm water control projects, Bixby Sloughwas reduced in size until only the 17-acre Bixby Marsh-land and the Machado Lake area in the Ken MalloyHarbor Regional Park remain.

“To maintain Bixby Marshland, a pump was in-stalled to lift storm water and urban runoff fromWilmington Drain into the marshland. After goingthrough the marshland, the water exits through an over-flow structure back into Wilmington Drain.”

Bixby Marshland to Open July 16Bixby Marshland to Open July 16Bixby Marshland to Open July 16Bixby Marshland to Open July 16Bixby Marshland to Open July 16

Because of their urban setting, both wetlands areall the more valuable now as educational and recre-ational resources as well as natural environmental fil-ters and cleansers.

The Sanitation Districts invite us all to the open-ing of the marshland to the public for guided tours andeducational purposes on:

Thursday, July 16, 2009 9-10 a.m. - Dedication Ceremony 10 a.m.-12 noon - Tours of Marshland

For more information, contact the Sanitation Dis-trict at: (562) 908-4288, extension 2301, or visit theirterrific website at:

http://www.lacsd.org/about/wastewater_facilities/jwpcp/bixbymarshland.asp

Marshland before improvement.

Now attractive walkways meander around the marshland property.Construction and enhancement of the marshland took two years tocomplete.

The new Bixby Marshland is the result of an ex-tensive $2 million restoration and enhancement projectwhich has improved the hydrology of the area as wellas the diversity and amount of native vegetation andwildlife habitat. The new design incorporates a mean-dering stream with several pools and an island for birds.The habitats represented include wetlands, riparian,open water, meadowlands, and upland areas; and animpressive variety of native plants has been established.

Like Madrona Marsh, this marshland is a vestigeof the freshwater and seasonal wetlands that once cov-ered the coastal portions of the Los Angeles Basin.

Membership ApplicationWe appreciate your support. Thank you!

Annual Membership: _____New _____Renewal

Individual _____$10 Family______$20 Youth (under 18)/Senior (over 65)_____$5

Patron _____$35 Club/Organization _____$50 Business/Industry_____$100

Amount Enclosed_____

Please send your donation or offer of services to:

Friends of Madrona Marsh, P.O. Box 5078, Torrance, CA 90510

FOMM is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. Your donations are tax free within the law.

Name Phone

Address

E:MailI will volunteer for: (Gift Shop, Reception Desk, other)

a non-profit organization est. 1972

Return Service Requested

P. O. Box 5078Torrance, CA 90510

(310) 32MARSH

NON-PROFIT ORG.

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

PERMIT NO.214

Torrance, California

✁

summer 2009 madrona marsh preserve and nature center … · 2018. 8. 2. · semblyman ted lieu...

Documents