Los Cerritos Wetlands Restoration Update: Major Progress Ahead

The Los Cerritos Wetlands Land Trust launches its early giving campaign largely thanks to the citywide online fundraising campaign Long Beach Gives. Exciting developments are underway to restore one of the region’s most vital ecosystems.

For over two decades, the Los Cerritos Wetlands Land Trust has been at the forefront of efforts to revive the once-thriving 2,400-acre watershed, which has suffered from urbanization and industrialization, leaving only 500 degraded acres. With a vision to restore this natural habitat, the trust has made significant strides, including placing over half of the wetlands in public trust and successfully thwarting detrimental development proposals.

“We envision the day when all of Los Cerritos Wetlands is a protected resource for wildlife and the community,” said the Land Trust executive director Elizabeth Lambe. “Thanks to community support, we are closer than ever to achieving this goal.”

This summer, the trust partnered with Long Beach Parks, Recreation and  Marine organizations to provide educational field trips to children from 13 urban parks through the Be S.A.F.E. (Summer Activities in a Friendly Environment) program. These enriching experiences foster a connection to nature, especially in communities with scarce open space.

“We were formed just as a group of citizens concerned about proposals to put development to the Los Cerritos wetlands,” says Lambe. “And so, we formed an advocacy group.”

Lambe further states, “Before my time, there was a proposal to put a golf course, a strip mall and  some houses through these wetlands.” And “While there’s nothing wrong with those things, with the vast majority of Southern Wetlands lost forever, the Citizen Action Group decided to advocate for their protection and restoration.”

Lambe reflects on the courageous efforts of these groups to save the wildlife of this endangered land by quoting Margaret Mead, which speaks volumes to her and the many who have been involved in this restoration effort.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

Major Restoration Projects Underway

The Los Cerritos Wetlands Authority, established in 2006, spearheads two large-scale restoration projects that promise to revitalize the area significantly.

The Southern Restoration Project (2025-2029)

Covering 103.5 acres in Seal Beach, this project will restore tidal wetlands, remediate contaminated soils and  enhance habitats along the Haynes Cooling Channel. With funding from various agencies, including a recent $32 million grant from the California Coastal Conservancy, construction is set to begin in September 2025, with Phase 1 expected to conclude by March 2027.

The Northern Restoration Project (2024-2028)

Encompassing 150 acres in Long Beach, this initiative aims to cap oil wells, remove remnants of a century of oil operations and  create a coastal salt marsh. A wetlands mitigation bank will help finance the project by selling credits for coastal impact projects. The timeline for this restoration has been dramatically accelerated, with completion anticipated by 2028, just in time for the Summer Olympics.

Optimism is also at the forefront of how Lambe feels about these projects; however, “there’s not a lot of undeveloped coastal open space left, so there’s always someone with an idea to do something with it but isn’t necessarily to protect or restore it.” So, it is indicative that the presence of the Land Trust will further involve itself in advocating for the protection and restoration of the land to fulfill its natural potential.

Community Support is Vital

The success of these restoration efforts hinges on continued community involvement and support. Donations, whether large or small, will help the Land Trust reach its fundraising goals, ensuring the protection and education of future generations about the significance of wetlands.

“We’re grateful for all who have joined our fight to protect Los Cerritos Wetlands,” Lambe stated. “With your support, we can preserve this unique habitat and enrich the lives of countless students and community members.”

As Lambe explains, “Without community involvement,” the Land Trust “wouldn’t be nearly as successful as I anticipate it will be.” For “It’s really important to hear what the community values and focuses on.”

For those looking to contribute, the early giving period of Long Beach Gives is the perfect opportunity to help realize the vision for a restored Los Cerritos Wetlands. Follow the Land Trust on social media and share the news to spread the word about this crucial initiative.

To further engage the community in the restoration efforts, the Los Cerritos Wetlands Trust invites everyone to a complimentary guided nature walk on October 5, 2024. This two-hour event will allow participants to explore the wetlands while learning about the area’s rich ecosystems, history and  ongoing restoration projects.

Starting at 8 a.m. near 1st Street and Pacific Coast Highway, attendees will receive an orientation before embarking on a scenic walk to the levee. Along the way, they’ll discuss the vital reintroduction of tidal flows and the significance of the San Gabriel River in revitalizing the wetlands. Participants are encouraged to bring binoculars to observe local wildlife and wear close-toed shoes while preparing for weather conditions.

According to Lambe, these walks are “a lovely way to know Los Cerritos wetlands,” for “right now, because of oil operations, you can’t just hang out there whenever you want.” Suppose you are curious about getting in touch with the wildlife there. Lambe explains, “You have to go on a guided tour,” for trained naturalists lead the “tours and we have binoculars we lend to people and  it’s a way to really get to know the land.”

After the walk, community members can also participate in hands-on restoration activities on the first Saturday of every month from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Volunteers may win prizes like T-shirts or tickets to the Aquarium of the Pacific.

Lambe concludingly mentions those who are interested in “being an activist or making a donation or joining one of the community restoration events, which are also held on the first Saturday of the month, you’re not only supporting a local wetland open space restoration project, but you’re doing something about climate change overall.”

For more details or to RSVP, please email Elizabeth at Elizabeth@LCWlandtrust.org.

As the community unites to restore Los Cerritos Wetlands, the hope is that in a few short years, residents will proudly proclaim, “Los Cerritos Wetlands? Oh, yes. They are amazing!”