Los Cerritos Wetlands

Once a vast marsh covering approximately 2,400 acres (971 ha), Los Cerritos Wetland are now smaller but still maintain ecological function and ecosystem processes.

[6] To name some other dominant plants there are the Distichilis spicata, Baccharis salicifolia, Frankenia salina, Jaumea carnosa, and Batis Maritima.

[7] Most of the remaining open space, once a thriving wetlands consisting of tidal salt marshes, lagoons, bays and alkali meadows where the San Gabriel River flows into the Pacific Ocean,[8] is currently privately owned and used for oil operations.

Rising sea levels related to climate change threatens to drown the marsh and wetland forever.

[13] The official community-based restoration “kick off” began September 19, 2009, with the Los Cerritos Wetlands Stewardship Program’s Zedler Marsh Cleanup Day event.

[14] A final conceptual restoration plan for the entire Los Cerritos Wetlands complex was completed August 2015.

Flood management, removing invasive species, reconnecting the wetlands to the tidal flow,[16] planting native vegetation, and providing public access with new paths will be the main focus.

This would involve remediation of contaminated soil, grading, revegetation, construction of new public access opportunities (including trails, visitor centers, parking lots, and viewpoints), construction of flood management facilities (including earthen levees, berms, and walls), and modification of existing infrastructure and utilities.

Los Cerritos Wetlands, Zedler Marsh
Los Cerritos Wetlands, Steamshovel Slough