Friends of Colorado Lagoon
FOCL POINTS Friends of Colorado Lagoon is a coalition of concerned citizens working to preserve and restore Colorado Lagoon
Friends of Colorado Lagoon’s FOCL Points Newsletter No. 23
September 2014
Fall Brings New Opportunities by Dr. Christine Whitcraft, FOCL President
It is that time of year again – the end of summer. Whether it is marked by the return to school for the kids, the end of summer concerts or the return of your favorite fall wildlife, it is always both exciting and bittersweet. It also marks a time of change at the lagoon for the wildlife and for the programming at the Friends of Colorado Lagoon! We thought this newsletter would be an excellent time to update you about our plans for fall. A large portion of our restoration work in the Western Arm, funded by the Rivers and Mountains Conservancy and other partners, has been completed. However, opportunities for you, the community, to come get your hands dirty have not ended! We will be running Maintenance Mondays and 2nd Saturday walks throughout the year. Keep checking back on our webpage, Facebook page, and blog to learn about the specifics. Also, we’re still looking for a few Snowy egret and tidal salt marsh (Photo by Adrienne Mohan) passionate individuals to join our Board of Directors. Specific needs include grant research/writing, event planning/coordination, public relations/communications, and web master, but anyone with passion and a willingness to help is welcome. We are a dedicated group of community members who pride ourselves on working collaboratively with the government, community, and other non-profits to restore, improve and protect the lagoon. We strive to remain non-political, non-confrontational, and focused on our mission, all while having as much fun as possible. If you are looking for a way to channel your passion right here in our community, please contact us at friends@coloradolagoon.org.
Page 1
September 2014
2007
Join us for an action-packed weekend! Coastal Cleanup Day
Sustainable Cinema Sunday
Saturday, September 20 9am-12pm Colorado Lagoon
Sunday, September 21 10am-1pm Art Theatre (2025 E 4th St., Long Beach) Tickets $10 at Coastal Cleanup Day $12 at the door
Join thousands of people on the biggest day of volunteerism in the world and help beautify our local wetland and popular swimming spot. Volunteers will meet at the Science Shack and then walk to the western arm to help the landscape look its best. Be sure to wear closed-toe shoes and sun protection. RSVP to for groups over 6 to education@coloradolagoon.org.
In solidarity with the People’s Climate March, join us and the Los Cerritos Wetlands Land Trust for a fun morning mixer and film screening. Connect with other environmental-minded folks over mimosas and watch the film Watershed produced and narrated by Robert Redford, which highlights the importance of saving the once-mighty Colorado River and explores a new water ethic for the west.
Spotlight: Flora and Fauna Coast golden bush
Fiery skipper
(Isocoma menziesii)
(Hylephila phyleus)
Golden bush is native shrub that can be seen flowering throughout much of the summer, even in spite of the current desperate drought conditions. Its bright, yellow flower clusters add a splash of color along the East bank trail at the lagoon.
Many folks may think this critter is a moth, but skippers are actually a form of butterfly. The fiery skipper is the most common butterfly in this area since it is not picky about its larval host plant or nectar source. If you see a fluttery, small orange butterfly at the lagoon, it’s likely this species.
(Photos by Adrienne Mohan) Page 2
September 2014
Lost and Found
2007
By Eric Zahn, FOCL Restoration Director At the end of June FOCL celebrated the completion of the Western Arm Restoration. While seeming small in size, this is a great achievement for coastal habitat conservation. But don’t take my word for it! Dr. Eric Stein and a group of historical ecologists recently determined that from 1850 to 2005 in southern California estuarine vegetated habitats have experienced the greatest loss in terms of absolute area (-5,819 ha, 75% loss), while estuarine unvegetated habitats (salt pan and mudflat) have experienced the greatest proportional loss of historical extent -- 78% (Stein et al. 2004). Meanwhile, subtidal waters have actually increased by 5% in the same time period. Furthermore their study found that in Los Angeles County there has been 1,240 ha loss of unvegetated estuarine wetlands (salt pan and mudflat)during this time, with less than 2% remaining (>98% loss). This dramatic loss has been complimented by 1,590 ha loss of vegetated estuarine wetlands with less than 4% remaining (>96% loss). Sigh… These statistics make the impact of restoring of coastal habitats of Colorado Lagoon just that much clearer. FOCL’s efforts to fundraise, contract with experts, maintain essential partnerships, and rally the community has lead to reverse in this trend of loss. While the Western Arm project is complete, FOCL is committed to making sure that it is properly managed into future so that it does not get lost again. Please join one of FOCL regular volunteer events this fall to help us continue conserving this truly precious resource. Event schedule is located on page 4 and at www.coloradolagoon.org.
Volunteer Spotlight Kerry Martin – Age 72 Kerry was born and raised in the City of Long Beach. He began volunteering at Friends of Colorado Lagoon in 2006 and still volunteers with us for every Salt Marsh Monday event. This amazing volunteer has helped us with every step of the Colorado Lagoon restoration process. You can also find him volunteering at Bolsa Chica Wetlands, the El Dorado Nature Center, and Shipley Nature Center. Thank you, Kerry, for being such an awesome and loyal volunteer at our wetlands and many other nature centers around the City of Long Beach! (Photo and article by Naturalist Tia Blair)
Page 3
September 2014
2007
Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage
Friends of Colorado Lagoon 6475 East PCH #252 Long Beach, CA 90803 (562) 261-9058 www.coloradolagoon.org
PAID Long Beach, CA Permit #25
Upcoming Activities All events begin at the Wetland and Marine Science Education Center located on Appian Way, just north of Colorado Street in Long Beach. Participants must wear closed toe shoes and sun protection, and bring water. Service-learning opportunity for students. RSVP and send inquiries to education@coloradolagoon.org.
Estuary Exploration
Bird Walk for Adults
September 13 – October 11 November 8 – December 13 8am-10am
October 26 – November 30 – December 28 8:30am-10:30am
Explore the wonders of Colorado Lagoon with trained FOCL naturalists every second Saturday.
Join fellow birders for a walk to spot feathered friends around the Lagoon the last Sunday of each month.
Saturday Habitat Restoration
Salt Marsh Mondays
September 13 – October 11 November 8 – December 13 10am-12am
September 22 – October 27 November 24 – December 22
Help FOCL naturalists restore the lagoon’s salt marsh and keep the ecosystem healthy.
There’s no better way to start your week than helping to restore this community jewel every fourth Monday.
Page 4