Summer 2006: Open Spaces Create Clean Water - Part 1

Page Page

Consider what happens when an inch of rain

falls on an asphalt parking lot at a shopping

center somewhere in the Los Angeles River

watershed. That water hits the

ground and flows toward the

lowest part of the parking lot,

where it enters a storm drain, flows

into a flood control channel like the

LA River and eventually reaches

the ocean. On the way to the storm drain, it

picks up a few drops of oil from a leaking car, a

bit of radiator fluid from another car, and a

plastic lid from a discarded coffee cup. Oh

yeah, there is also some time-released

fertilizer used on the plants along the perimeter

of the parking lot, as well as a bit of insecticide

used to keep the white flies under control.

Hmmm, there’s also a bit of fecal

material, where a dog was

allowed to “do his business” in

the bushes. Each gram of dog

feces contains 23 million bacteria.

Multiply this situation by

thousands of asphalt parking lots. Is it any

wonder that, according to Heal the Bay’s 2005-

2006 Annual Beach Report Card, “the five most

polluted beaches in the state were all in LA

County. “ (continued on page 2)

Open Spaces Create Clean Water

The five most

polluted beaches in

the state were all in

LA County.

Inside this issue….

1 Feature Story

2 Feature Story (cont)

3 Greetings from the

MRCA

3 From the Editor

4 Marsh Park

4 Cyberteer

5 Storm Water Runoff

6 Chautauqua

6 Ask the Naturalist

7 Parks in the News

8 Featured Plant and

Animal

9 Science News You

Can Use

10 For Parents and

Educators

11 Volunteer

Happenings

12 Volunteer Calendar

13 Volunteer Calendar

14 Access

Un-Deniable

14 Invasive Weeds

15 Notes from the

Field

16 Photo Gallery

Summer 2006

Ballona Wetlands - a coastal estuary with a

mixture of both saltwater and freshwater marshes.

Photo courtesy Jonathan Coffin

Symbiosis Summer 2006 Page Symbiosis Summer 2006 2

Cyberteer…..Cyberteer…..

Here are some websites learn more about watershed

management and water quality:

The EPA has an online Watershed Academy. This Web site

offers a basic and broad introduction to the watershed

management field: www.epa.gov/watertrain/

For information on vernal pools:

www.epa.gov/owow/wetlands/types/vernal.html

The State Coastal Commission has a model urban runoff

program, with a series of “Best Management Practices”

monographs for local businesses and homes:

www.coastal.ca.gov/la/murp.html

They also have a site for educators:

www.coastal.ca.gov/publiced/directory/educate.html

The City of Los Angeles has a website devoted to

stormwater issues, including a glossary of terms and FAQ’s

about stormwater runoff:

www.lacity.org/SAN/wpd/index1.htm

For a copy of Heal the Bay’s Annual Beach Report Card, go

to: http://www.healthebay.org/brc/annual/default.asp

Feature Story Continued….Feature Story Continued…...

Now consider what happens to that same inch of rain when

it falls on one of our parks or open spaces. Some of it

percolates into the soil, where it is cleansed of fecal bacteria,

viruses and other pollutants. Some of it flows into streams,

where UV sunlight acts as a disinfectant, killing the fecal

bacteria that comes from the animals that live there. The

clearer the water, the more effective the sunlight, so properly

constructed trails and minimal erosion are vital. Because this

is parkland, there is no pesticide or herbicide or commercial

fertilizer in the runoff. And if visitors pack out their trash,

(and pick up after their dogs) there is no litter either.

As an agency, we are involved in monitoring small but

ecologically significant portions of our watershed. For

example,Tierra Rejada, located in the City of Moorpark, is

the site of a small vernal pool. The MRCA is responsible for

an annual biological assessment on that site of three federally

endangered species, the Riverside fairy shrimp

(Streptocephalus woottoni), Orcutt grass (Orcuttia californica),

and Lyon’s pentachaeta or Pygmy Daisy (Pentachaeta lyonii).

The MRCA is working on some exciting innovations in our

water demonstration parks. You can read about Marsh

Park, one of our recently launched projects, on page 2. But

there are several more projects in the works.

At 8th Street Park, located in the City of San Fernando along

the Pacoima wash, the MRCA is incorporating stormwater

capture and treatment into the park design. Stormwater

from a 33 acre residential area will be filtered to remove

suspended solids prior to entering two “placitas”, which also

double as community gathering spaces. These placitas also

act as sediment traps, cleaning the water before entering the

naturalized stream which delivers the water to a large sand

media filter detention basin within the park, where water

infiltrates into the underground aquifer.

Further west, the design for the West Mulholland Trailhead

near Topanga State Park uses porous concrete for the park

road and parking spaces. Stephanie Landregan, the Chief

Landscape Architect for the MRCA, explains the influence of

the project: “if all the driveways in LA were pervious

instead of impervious, imagine the impact on regenerating

the groundwater...The small improvements we make in our

water demonstration parks and facilities are contributing to

the big picture and have in the long run a big impact!”

Downstream, the MRCA is working with a number of

agencies and groups involved with the Ballona Wetlands.

Recently, the Agency has been authorized by the State

Coastal Conservancy to “help implement stewardship

activities to protect and enhance the site.”

From the top of the watershed, through the urban core and

out to the ocean, the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy

and MRCA are active in helping keep our water clean.

A slough at Ballona Wetlands reflects a nearby building

From the Editor…..From the Editor…..

About a year ago, my old car, “The Tin Can”, finally died

and we began looking around for a replacement. I noticed

myself paying more attention to the cars I saw on the streets,

especially if they were on our short list of possibilities. That’s

how I felt when we began working on this edition of

Symbiosis. I noticed all sorts of first-class publications were

writing about our polluted watersheds, estuaries and

oceans. The June edition of Scientific American has “Wading

in Waste” and the July issue of National Geographic has “Our

Coasts in Crisis”. There was even an article in The Wall Street

Journal. National Geographic included a stunning picture of

trash in Ballona Creek, which was so much better than the

photos I took there in May. I was left with two questions:

“what can I say that hasn’t already been said” and “where

can I find a great cover photo?”

Answer to question number one came from a marketing

class I took years ago. I remember the Professor was fond of

the phrase, “look for the hole and fill it”. So be it! We’re a

small niche publication and we can tailor it to interests of our

local California readers. So we have devoted this issue of

Symbiosis to what the SMMC and MRCA are doing to be

part of the solution. We also want to equip you with the

tools you need - to explain the local issues, to share some

practical ideas and to identify places where you can learn

more - so you can make informed decisions about what else

needs to be done. I’ll leave it to you to decide how well we

have performed our task.

Answer to question number two came from Jonathan

Coffin, the photographer who provided the cover photo at

Ballona. Thanks, Jonathan, for sharing your photos with us.

I also want to thank Linda Locklin from the California

Coastal Commission and, of course, our staff and volunteers,

whose photos and ideas are always welcome.

One final note. In June, we said good-bye to one of our

regular contributors. For the past year, Asha Bankowski has

been writing the “Cyberteer” and “For Parents and

Educators” pages. She has joined the Peace Corps and will

be spending the next two years in Latin America. We will

miss her, but wish her well on her great adventure.

Wendy Langhans

310-858-7272 x 115

[email protected]

Greetings from the MRCA. . .Greetings from the MRCA. . .

Dear Friends -

Most of my professional life has been spent as an educator

and I will be retiring soon after 37 years in the profession. So

I know a bit about young people and how education, at it’s

best, helps instill positive values in students.

Why was this teenage boy

peering into a storm drain

while holding an aquarium fish

net? To rescue these baby quail,

that’s why. But where did he

first learn to care about other

living creatures?

He was first taught to see, so

that he might care. That’s one

reason why I’m proud to work

with the MRCA - we work with

students to connect them with

their natural environment. We

teach them to see so that they might care. And we help

them put their caring into action.

So when the students of Hollenbeck Middle School

approached LAUSD Councilmember Huizar and

Supervisor Gloria Molina about improving neglected land

near the Blueberry Hills stairway in Boyle Heights, we were

brought in to assist with the project. Now this area will be

turned into a green and usable space for the neighborhood.

If this issue of Symbiosis helps you to see how our local

neighborhoods affect our water quality, then perhaps you

will care. Perhaps you’ll look at your neighborhood in a

new light, with ideas of how we can use the power of dirt

and sunlight to clean our water. Perhaps you’ll be willing to

help us put that caring into action too.

Now go outside and play!

Michael D. “Mike” Berger, Chair

Mountains Recreation and

Conservation Authority


This May, we celebrated new park opening in the Elysian

Valley neighborhood near downtown Los Angeles. Marsh

Park is the first Clean Water Natural Park on the Los

Angeles River.

What do we mean by a “clean water natural park,”, and

why is it important? Each year, billions of gallons of water

runs off of city streets into storm drains that empty into the

Los Angeles River and, eventually into the Pacific Ocean.

As this water washes along our streets it picks up pollutants

such as motor oil, insecticides, and fertilizer, which pollute

our river, beaches and ocean. Marsh Park’s design

incorporates a detention and infiltration system that uses a

plentiful and naturally occurring substance - DIRT - to

cleanse storm water runoff of pollutants. Marsh Park is

located adjacent to the Glendale Narrows, a section of the

Los Angles River which has a “soft bottom” instead of a

concrete floor, so the water percolates into and replenishes

the underground aquifer.

Most professionals agree that if the water runoff from each

twenty acres of paved city streets were directed to

approximately one-acre detention and infiltration areas like

Marsh Park, our regional stormwater pollution problems

would be solved.

But there’s more to this story than simply cleaner water. To

quote Joseph T. Edmiston, Executive Director of the Santa

Monica Mountains Conservancy, “We bring nature back

into the neighborhoods and create parkland and

recreational opportunities in densely populated urban areas

where they are needed most. Joint use, multi-benefit

projects give the public the most for its money.”

Marsh Park is an example of several public agencies

working together to create common-sense solutions to

regional problems. Both the City and County of Los

Angeles and the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy

(SMMC) were involved in this project. Funding for Marsh

Park came from voter-approved State bond funds (The Safe

Drinking Water, Clean Water, Watershed Protection, and

Flood Protection Act of 2000), Los Angeles County

Proposition A, and private donations.

A rainstorm in late May demonstrates how storm

water runoff is captured and cleansed of pollutants

while filtering into the underground aquifer.

The Park was

constructed by the

non-profit Los

Angeles

Conservation Corps,

which employs

young adults to

construct

environmental

projects.

Marsh Park captures and filters the runoff that

previously flowed directly into the adjacent

Glendale Narrows section of the Los Angeles River.

What’s so bad about Storm Water Runoff...What’s so bad about Storm Water Runoff... Let’s begin with a few facts about storm water drainage

systems and storm water runoff in Los Angeles:

1) Every day in Los Angeles County, at least 100 million

gallons of contaminated water and debris drains through

the storm drain system and flow directly into the ocean. On

a rainy day, that amount can increase to 10 billion gallons. In

open channels, this flow can reach a depth of 25 feet and

speeds of 35 mph. Our MRCA Parks and Open spaces

reduce this flow by creating buffers for overflow and

infiltration. Remember, if you want water from a hose to

flow faster, you constrict the nozzle.

2) The Los

Angeles

storm

drain

system

drains

water

from a

1,060

square

mile area

into 35,000 catch basins, 1,500-miles of underground pipes

and 100 miles of open channels that discharges directly into

our coastal waters at 65 points on our coast. MRCA Parks

and Open spaces, such as Upper Las Virgenes Canyon, are

located at the top of the watershed, to minimize pollution

from the start.

3) Unlike the sewer system, storm water runoff is not

treated. Storm water runoff is contaminated with the

chemicals and organisms that make up our urban lives:

pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, fertilizer, petrochemicals,

heavy metals and fecal bacteria, protozoa and viruses. The

MRCA does not use pesticides or insecticides on our

properties. We require dogs to be on leash and that dog

owners clean up after their dog.

Why is this an issue? After all, we do treat our sewage

waste water. Isn’t that enough? No, it’s not enough - storm

water runoff is full of disease causing organisms. The EPA

estimates that swimming in seawater even with maximum

acceptable counts of fecal contamination will cause 2 percent

of bathers to fall ill.1 These illnesses can vary from common

ones such as gastroenteritis, conjunctivitis, and ear infections

to more serious ones such as hepatitis.

In Los Angeles, Escondido Beach exceeded EPA thresholds

on 95% of sampled days. But the problem is widespread

and not confined to specific beaches. Heal the Bay’s 2005-

2006 Beach Report Card gave a good to excellent grade to

only 68 % of LA County beaches. The five most polluted

beaches in the state were in LA County.

Another concern has to do with

the health of our oceans and the

creatures that rely on it for

survival (including ourselves).

Pollution from our waste water

has reached the point that “over

90% of the area in the Santa Monica bay has contaminants at

levels at which biological effects begin to occur.”3 Today,

the greatest overall threat to the bay is stormwater run-off.3

What can be done about it?

Increase the amount of pervious (porous) surfaces. There is

a correlation between the abundance of E. coli and

impervious surfaces.2 For example, parking lots can be

paved with porous concrete, a semipervious material that

allows water to filter into the soil while at the same time

supporting the weight of automobiles.

Reduce peak runoff flow. Create spaces for storm water

runoff to collect, rather than immediately flow into the drain

system. Allow open channels to have a “soft bottom”, so

that water can percolate into the underground aquifer. By

reducing peak flow, you reduce the amount of sediment in

the water from erosion. The clearer the water, the easier for

sunlight to penetrate and kill fecal bacteria with UV light.

Also, sediment can bind with pollutants such as phosphates,

ammonium and fecal bacteria and carry them downstream.

Filter storm runoff. In the urban core storm water runoff can

be funneled into areas where it can be filtered before

percolating into the ground or flowing into storm drains.

This will cleanse the water of pollutants before it enters the

storm drain system. These filtration areas can be scalable in

size - small for the area the size of a parking lot, or larger for

a residential neighborhood such as the MRCA’s Marsh Park.

(1) M. Mallin. Wading in Waste. Scientific American. June 2006: 52 - 59

(2) J. Bourne. Our Coasts in Crisis. National Geographic. June 2006: 60-87.

(3) United State Geologic Survey. http://walrus.wr.usgs.gov/socal/smbay/

One of 35,000 storm drains in Los Angeles County


Chautauqua programs for Summer…..Chautauqua programs for Summer…..

Summer Campfire Programs at Temescal

We will be taking a break from Chautauqua programs in

July and August, so we can again offer our popular weekly

Campfire programs. Every

Thursday night, 8:00-10:00 PM

THU 7/6, 13, 20, 27

THU 8/3, 10, 17, 24

For more information call

(310) 454-1395 ext.106 or visit

www.Lamountains.com.

Butterflies of the Santa Monica Mountains

Sept. 29, 7:30 PM. Margaret Huffman

Butterflies are very beautiful creatures, with their bright

colors and graceful flight. The Los Angeles area, with its

temperate climate, is home to more than 100 kinds of

butterflies. Monarchs, anise swallowtails, and marine blues

are just a few of the species to grace our local skies. Learn

what butterflies can be seen in the Santa Monica Mountains

and where and when it's easiest to see particular species.

Margaret Huffman is program chair and past-president of

the Los Angeles Chapter of the North American Butterfly

Association (NABA). The group promotes enjoyment of

butterflies through programs, field trips, butterfly counts,

butterfly gardening, and through its web site:

www.naba.org. She has put on many shows about

southern California butterflies and run workshops on

gardening for

birds and

butterflies. A

naturalist at

heart, she

emphasizes

growing native

plants for birds

and butterflies

and, ultimately,

for restoration

of the natural

landscape.

California Sister

Photograph by Dr. Paul Levine

Location: Temescal Gateway Park

15601 Sunset Boulevard

Pacific Palisades, CA

310-454-1395 x 106

Ask the NaturalistAsk the Naturalist……

How do wading birds catch fish?

Take a close look at this Green Heron standing on a deck,

trying to swallow a fish he just caught. Notice the sharp

pointy bill; notice how far open it can stretch. Most fish-

eating bird have sharp pointy bills - designed to spear fish

and other water-dwelling creatures like frogs. Sometimes

they use their bill like a set of tongs to grab their prey.

I’ve watched this particular Green Heron hunting. He stands

for a long time in a crouched position, horizontal to the water

surface, with neck and head retracted. Sometimes he oh-so-

slowly walks to a new location, where he again pauses and

watches motionlessly until….

Suddenly - he makes his move - an explosive dart and

leaping dive into the water. Sometimes he lands a fish;

sometimes not.

Green Herons are one of the few birds that use bait to attract

fish; they drop things like bread crusts or insects onto the

surface of the water, waiting for a curious fish to investigate.

Green Herons live near wetlands and rely on their acute

vision to forage during the day. This particular bird has a

nasty-sounding squawk which he does not hesitate to use

whenever he thinks I get too close.

E-mail your questions to [email protected].

Parks in the NewsParks in the News……

4th Annual Towsley Trail Days

Volunteers from the MRCA, REI Inc Northridge, and the

Santa Clarita Valley community joined together on June

3rd to repair trails in Towsley Canyon.

Trails that are properly designed and maintained are safer

for hikers and mountain bikers. Also, good trails minimize

erosion and storm water runoff - which keeps our streams

cleaner and helps replenish our groundwater.

But it wasn’t all work. We celebrated afterwards with a

Bar-B-Que and raffle, with prizes donated by REI. Top

prize - a plush stuffed bird that chirped when squeezed.

All told - 17 Towsley Trail Volunteers put in over 327

hours this spring. Photos by Dianne Erskine

Kicking

a large

loose rock

down the

hill. (Rt.)

Tread

repair.

(Lft.)

Clean Water, Parks & Coastal Protection Bond

Qualifies For November Statewide Ballot

Measure Protects Drinking Water, Improves

Water Supply & Protects Natural Resources

The California Secretary of State's office announced on June 14 that the

California Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and Supply, Flood Control,

River and Coastal Protection Bond Act has qualified for placement on the

November 7, 2006 General Election statewide ballot. Supporters submitted

more than 600,000 signatures in April, nearly double the amount required.

The $5.4 billion bond measure would provide critically needed funds to

ensure the availability of safe drinking water, improve local water supply

reliability, strengthen flood protection, and preserve California's natural

landscapes, including parks, lakes, rivers, beaches, bays, ocean and coastline.

The proposed $5.4 billion Clean Water, Parks and Coastal Protection Bond

will invest in California's natural infrastructure to ensure that all Californians

will have access to safe drinking water, be better protected from floods, and

continue to have opportunities to enjoy parks, rivers, lakes, beaches, bays and

coastline.

Newhall Ranch High Country

Recreation and Conservation

Authority

The SMMC has entered into a

partnership with the City of Santa Clarita,

County of Los Angeles and Newhall

Land to manage a 6000 acre preserve in

the Santa Susana Mountains.

The first 150 acres will be transferred

before the end of 2006 to the Center for

Natural Lands Management, a non-profit

that will maintain the land, overseen by

the Authority.

Ultimately, these 6000 acres will have 50

miles of trails. The long term goal is to

connect this open space to Michael D.

Antonovitch Regional Park at Joughin

Ranch.


Featured Plant and Animal…..Featured Plant and Animal…..

Pacific Chorus Frog is Heard Far and Wide

People around the globe are familiar with the call of the

Pacific Chorus Frog, Pseudacdris regilla. Upon hearing these

surprisingly tiny creatures sing to the springtime night from a

mile or more away, you might imagine that lung power

alone could carry their calls to the far corners of the Earth.

Indeed, the male Pacific chorus frogs often drown out other

nighttime sounds with their rousing chorus of “krek-

ek….krek-ek…” While widespread throughout the moist

areas of southern California, the Pacific Chorus Frog ranges

from California up to southern British Columbia and as far

east as Montana and Nevada. Movie stardom has carried

their call far and wide -- recordings of Pacific Chorus Frog

vocalizations are commonly used in movies as the nighttime

soundtrack.

The loud call of the male Pacific Chorus Frog stems from a

deep-seated instinct to mate. In frog language, the two-toned

calls of the male Pacific Chorus Frog translates into

something like, “Hey, ladies! I’m looking for a hot date!” An

interested female, measuring up to two inches in length and

dwarfing the male, approaches and if she likes what she sees,

lays a jelly-like mass of eggs in the water which he fertilizes.

The parents hop back amongst the protective vegetation and

leave the eggs to survive on their own.

Join us for a full moon hike at one of our many locations to

hear Pacific Chorus Frogs calling for mates - a two-toned call

during the spring breeding season or the one-tone “c-r-r-ick”

the rest of the year. Schedules can be found on our website at

www.LAMountains.com.

Stately Cattail Takes Care of Dirty Business

Cattails may often be found rising above the wetlands of the

Santa Monica Mountains, their stately stalks towering over

long slender leaves and crowned with their trademark

sausage-shaped, brown flower stems. Tule (Typha latifolia)

and broadleaf (Typha domingensis) varieties of cattail are

common in the area. They serve as a source of food and

shelter for wetland birds and their roots, pollen, and seeds

were an important year-round food source for the California

Indians. Most importantly, the stately cattail takes on the

dirty job of water filtration.

Wetlands are nature’s water treatment plants, and cattails, as

dominant inhabitants of shallow, still or slow moving fresh

waters, are an integral part of the cleansing process.

Sediment- and pollutant-rich waters enter wetlands as

overflow from rivers and lakes. The water’s flow is slowed

by the wetland and as it encounters wetland vegetation,

allowing solid particles suspended in it to settle out. In

slowing the flow, wetlands also protect nearby developed

areas and farmlands from erosion. The water is nutrient-rich

and leaves wetland soils devoid of oxygen. Cattails happily

take root in the oxygen-poor soils and take up problematic

nutrients such as phosphorous and nitrogen from the

polluted waters. Water exits the wetlands cleansed of gill-

clogging sediments and the excessive nutrients that would

otherwise lead to nasty algae blooms.

Cattails in Towsley Creek

Pacific Chorus Frog

Photo Courtesy MRCA volunteer Dr. Paul Levine

Hear the male Pacific tree frog’s vocalizations at

www.naturepark.com/sound1.wav and

www.enature.com/fieldguides/detail.asp?recnum=AR0018

Science News You Can Use…..Science News You Can Use…..

Amphibians - the Canary in a Coal Mine

The expression “Canary in a Coal Mine” originally comes

from the coal mining industry but today it is used to

describe something that is used as a warning signal. While

digging for coal, miners sometimes tapped into pockets of

carbon monoxide (CO). This deadly gas would cause the

miners to become drowsy and eventually pass out and die.

Because CO is a colorless and odorless

gas, the minors had no warning they

were in danger. But canaries are very

sensitive to small quantities of CO; when

exposed they stop singing and sway back

and forth on their perches. That was the

signal for the miners to get out NOW.

It’s no secret among conservation biologists that there is a

worldwide decline in amphibian populations. Results of an

ongoing Global Amphibian Assessment, organized by the

World Conservation Union (IUCN), Conservation

International and NatureServe, indicate that forty-three

percent of all species worldwide are in decline, with one

third of all species categorized as threatened. But what are

the reasons behind this decline? Some we know - loss of

habitat and the fungal disease chytridiomycosis are

significant. But other declines cannot be so readily

explained. The search for additional answers begins with

what we know of amphibian biology.

Most amphibians are biphasic, which means they have an

aquatic stage, and a terrestrial stage in their life cycle. Most

species produce shell-less (amamniotic) eggs that are

deposited in the water. We know that human embryos,

fetuses and children are more susceptible to environmental

toxins. How much more so an unprotected amphibian egg

or larvae, living in water polluted with pesticides, herbicides

and heavy metals.

We know that tadpoles infested with flatworms, specifically

Ribeiroia ondatrae, result in frogs with deformed legs. These

flatworms are parasite of aquatic snails, who feed on algae.

Fertilizer runoff in wetlands results in overwhelming algae

blooms, which leads to larger populations of snails,

flatworms and deformed frogs.

Adult amphibians have extremely thin water permeable

skin, which makes them sensitive to both airborne and

waterborne pollutants. Increased UV radiation may also

affect mortality.

That’s why ecologists refer to Amphibians as “indicator

species”, whose health is used to measure the health of an

ecosystem.

So why do we refer to Amphibians as a “Canary in a Coal

Mine”? Because the factors affecting amphibians are most

likely taking a toll on other species - like us. Consider the

recent scientific studies linking smog, ozone and asthma.

According to the EPA, the incidence of asthma in the US has

increased dramatically in the last 25 years. Or how about

this - recent epidemiological studies are suggestive of

an association between pesticides and Parkinson's Disease.

Are these signals for us to take action NOW?

And an example of how we use it…..And an example of how we use it….. GLOBE Research and Data Gathering

Students attending the MRCA’s annual field science camp at

Temescal Gateway Park gather data for the GLOBE (Global Learning

and Observations to Benefit the Environment) program. GLOBE is

an international program sponsored by NASA and the National

Science Foundation (www.http://www.globe.gov/globe_flash.html).

Students from the Los Angeles Unified School District gather data on

water quality including: 1) Site Conditions – weather & debris,

2) Air Temperature, 3) Water Temperature, 4) Turbidity

/Transparency, 5) Dissolved Oxygen, 6) pH,

7) Conductivity/Salinity, 8) Nutrients, 9) Bacteria - Total coliform,

Escherichia coli (E.coli) and Enterococcus and 10) Algae.


For Parents and Educators…..For Parents and Educators…..

What is wrong with this picture? Circle all the mistakes these

people are making in managing their neighborhood.

Fun Facts Matching Game: Draw a line matching the items on

the left to the amount of water on the right.

1. Taking a shower A. 30 gallons

2. Watering the lawn B. 180 gallons

3. Washing the dishes C. 4-7 gallons

4. Washing clothes D. 1/2 gallon

5. Flushing toilet E. 39,090 gallons

6. Brushing teeth F. 62,600 gallons

7. Drinking G. 15-30 gallons

8. Needed to produce one ton H. 9.3 gallons

of steel

9. Needed to process one can I. 1 gallon

of fruit or vegetables

10. Needed to manufacture a J. 9-20 gallons

a new car and its four tires

Answer Key: (1)G, (2) B, (3) J, (4) A, (5) C, (6) I, (7) D, (8) F, (9) H, (10) E

Thirstin’s

Word Scramble:

All living things need ___________

(tawer) to live.

When water evaporates, it

travels into the air and becomes

part of a ____________(dlocu).

Less than 1% of all the water on

the Earth is _____________(sefrh)

water.

We ____________ (ikdrn) water in

the liquid form.

Wash bikes and cars with a

__________________(kecbut) and

sponge instead of a running hose.

WEBSITES FOR

EDUCATORS:

Project Water Education for Teachers,

or Project WET, has developed a

website. Their mission is to reach

children, parents, educators, and

communities of the world with water

education. www.projectwet.org

U.S. Environmental Protection

Agency has a very fun and interactive

site, which includes articles and kid

friendly activities to use in the

classroom.

www.epa.gov/owow/nps/kids/

ATTENTION NEW VOLUNTEERS:ATTENTION NEW VOLUNTEERS:

Congratulations and welcome to Congratulations and welcome to

the MRCA volunteer family!the MRCA volunteer family!

MRCA park rangers, park staff, and fellow volunteers

recognize the generous contribution of your time, talents

and passions for choosing to volunteer in the outdoors. We

appreciate your commitment to making our parks and

programs a success. Through your selfless dedication,

many families, students, scouts, and seniors will receive

warm welcomes, quality programming, and new

meaningful connections to the natural world.

Be proud, YOU make THE difference!

Congratulations MRCA

Volunteers Naturalists

These talented volunteers have

completed intensive naturalist

training, preparing them to

design and lead effective

interpretive school, scout and

public programs for our MRCA park visitors. We welcome

Angie Fleck, Aaron Gluck, Dylan Gunning, Craig McCain,

Peggy O’Neal, Zandra Platzek, Margery Pope, Carolyn Ritter

and Amy Tibbles. “We look forward to seeing you on the trails!”

MRCA Volunteer Wildland Fire Unit

A proud group of individuals who

have committed their time to

learning the skills, safety and

discipline of wildland firefighting.

“We honor your courage and

commitment!”

Welcome New Mountain Bike Unit Volunteers

Another intrepid group of cyclists have completed extensive

MBU trainings in responsible trail use, visitor services, radio

communications, and emergency procedures. We welcome

Jeff Cary, Ron

Cohen, Aaron Diyarzan,

Joy Dugger, Robert

Ettleman, Cathy Gribble,

Augustin Guerrero, Gregory

Hadinoto, Race Headen,

Danny Kay, Sue Kay, Brad Kraus, Lance Laspina, Eugenia

Luvisaro, Kate Maddox, Lori Meyer, Zachary Morales, Jim

Nowatzki, Ryan O'Malley, Richard Piatt, Scott Sogaard,

Lyndon Talbott, Ryan Thompson, Paul Wisner and Jay

Zimmerman. “We welcome you to the team!”

Special Thanks to the MRCA Volunteer Mentors

who helped make these trainings possible!

State Senator Richard

Alarcon’s Young Senators

in the Parks

The MRCA hosted State Senator, Richard

Alarcon’s visit to Franklin Canyon Park on

May 20, 2006 with his group of Young

Senators. A dedicated group of high school

students from the San Fernando Valley, who participate in a

yearlong leadership training program. Students receive

advocacy training, learn legislative process, and focus on

issues having an impact in their communities and the

environment. The MRCA offered a guided hike and

interpretive program

highlighting its mission

to strategically acquire

open space, provide

services, and make

parks easily accessible

to the Los Angeles and

Ventura County

communities.

MRCA Volunteers honored at the

NPS Spring Appreciation BBQ

On May 13th, MRCA Volunteers from mountain bikers to

volunteer naturalists enjoyed good company, nature-themed

carnival games, appreciation awards, and juicy burgers

grilled by the talented NPS staff.


Summer Campfire Program Series

Traditional Fireside Fun in the Big City! July & August, Franklin Canyon Park

Every Wednesday 6:30-8:30 pm

July & August, Temescal Gateway Park

Every Thursday 8:00-10:00 pm

Upper Las Virgenes Open Space Preserve

July 11th, 8:00-10:00 pm

September 7th, 8:00-10:00 pm

Upper Las Virgenes Open Space Preserve

(Victory trailhead) - August 9th, 8:00-10:00 pm

Astronomy for the Trail Wednesday, July 26th, 9:00 am-5:00 pm, Franklin

Have you ever wondered what to say when the

sun goes down? Learn tricks, tools, and

techniques for incorporating astronomy into your

evening programs.

Volunteer Meeting at Franklin Sunday, August 4th, 12 pm –2 pm

Meet at the Sooky Goldman Nature Center

Meet and greet fellow, and new volunteers.

Learn about upcoming trainings, special events

and volunteer opportunities. Bring a snack or

potluck lunch to share! Please let us know if you are

coming , call 310-858-7272 ext.132

Sacred Geometry, Fractals &

Shared Forms in Nature Sunday, July 30th, 10:00 am-12:00 pm, Franklin

How are the shapes of trees and rivers alike?

How are fractals seen in nature? Explore the

Golden Mean, Fibonacci sequence and expand

to a new dimension of nature awareness.

You’ll never look at nature the same way again!

Volunteer School Leader Training Tuesday, August 22nd, 10 am-1 pm, Franklin

Help us kick off the new school season! Hike, have

lunch, and learn with NEW, and fellow School

Volunteers. Learn new tricks and techniques for

working with kids on the trail. Play nature trail games

& activities. Visit favorite trail stops and more!

Nature Rambles with

MRCA Volunteer

Bob Margolies Franklin Canyon, 10 am – 12 pm

Sunday, Sept. 3rd, Franklin Canyon Ranch

Saturday, Sept. 30th, Sooky Goldman Nature Center

Join Bob on his monthly public program to explore the

interaction between a variety of plants, insects, and

birds. Great for new volunteers!

Summer Family Campfire Program Series We Need Campfire Program Leaders!

Can you help in one or more of the following ways? Prepare the wood, build the

campfire, tell stories, sing songs, lead nature games, and help roast marshmallows!

Learn how to conduct memorable campfire programs for groups of all ages.

Make them fun, magical, silly and safe for everyone.

Don’t wait, please call 310-858-7272 ext.132 if you are interested!

Mounted Volunteer Patrol (MVP) If you have a horse, and want to help patrol our parks, this group is waiting to ride with you!

The MVP is a group of riders who provide horseback patrol services for the Mountains

Recreation and Conservation Authority, National Park Service, and California State Parks.

Make up Orientation (9 am-12 pm) and CPR (12:30 pm -4:30 pm) at Diamond X Ranch -

Saturday, July 15th. RSVP with Bernie Weiss at [email protected].

ParkLINK Shuttle now connects with the San Fernando Valley this Summer on Weekends

MORNING Connection:

Take the Orange Line every 15 minutes to the Warner Center.

Catch Metro 161 at Warner Center at 9:53 and 10:53 am.

Metro 161 connects with ParkLINK Shuttle at Agoura/Las Virgenes Rd at

10:35 and 11:35 am.

AFTERNOON Connection:

ParkLINK Shuttle connects to Metro 161 at Agoura/Las Virgenes Rd. at 4:30 pm and 5:30 pm.

Metro 161 connects to Orange Line at Warner Center at 4:56 pm and 5:56 pm.

For more info call 888-734-2323 or www.parklinkshuttle.com

To Connect to ParkLINK Shuttle from the Pacific Coast Highway

Take the 534 MTA bus to Malibu Village/Cross Creek (http://www.mta.net/images/534.pdf)

MRCA Volunteer BBQ,

& Franklin Ranch Campout Saturday, September 9th, 2pm -

Sunday Morning, September 10th, 10am

Volunteers and family are invited to play, eat, sing,

relax, hike, and camp out at Franklin Canyon Ranch.

Bring your favorite dish to share!

Optional Activities & Trainings: Sat. 2-4 pm BBQ and Potluck lunch

4-6 pm Nature Games for Trails, Fields, & Campfires!

6–8 pm Evening Birds of Franklin Canyon

8-10 pm Campfire and Smore’s (bring an instrument

and your favorite campfire story or song to share)

Sun. 7:30 am Breakfast (Bring your favorite cereal)

9-11 am Aerobic Trek - Hike the whole park!

10-12 pm Volunteer lead nature hike, Great for kids!

Just want to relax? Plenty of shade and leisure time!

Help us plan for this event, please call 310-858-7272

ext.132, or email [email protected]

to RSVP, or to request camping equipment.

MRCA Volunteer Beach Blast Sunday August 26th, 11 am-4 pm

Location: Leo Carrillo State Beach

(North of Kanan Road on PCH)

Volunteers, Family and Friends!

Everyone is invited to put on a hat, sunscreen,

and your favorite flip-flops.

You can bury someone in the sand, play a serious

game of volleyball, or simply enjoy a day at the beach

with fellow MRCA Volunteers. Bring a potluck dish

to share, a chair, and your favorite beach toys!

Help us plan for this event, please call 310-858-7272

ext.132 or email [email protected]

Plenty of shade and cold drinks!

Leo Carrillo State Beach

MRCA Volunteer Wish List - What exactly do we need? As the MRCA continues to grow, volunteer opportunities increase. Consider volunteering in new ways,

or help us to recruit new volunteers! We specifically need school, scout, public, and campfire program

leaders, Sooky Goldman Nature Center hosting, trail patrol, trail maintenance, outreach and special

events, Symbiosis mass mailing, kiosk updating, and program marketing.

These volunteer opportunities and available now, and in need of your assistance!

If you are interested, please call 310-858-7272 ext. 132., or email [email protected]


Access UnAccess Un--deniable…..deniable…..

It’s a simple little trail, leading down from the eastern

end of Malibu Road to the beach. But for years,

public access was obstructed by a chain link fence

topped with razor wire.

So when Sam Schuchat, Executive Officer of the State

Coastal Commission (SCC), requested the assistance

of MRCA in removing the fence, we were more than

happy to oblige.

This 100 foot long parcel is owned by the SCC and

was acquired in 2002. Currently the SCC is in the

design process to construct a viewing platform and

stairway to the beach. There are geologic issues that

need to be addressed in the design, so it will probably

be another year or so before work begins.

On May 18, work crews from the MRCA removed the

fence. Now the public can once again enjoy

uncluttered views of the ocean and have access to

Malibu Beach. Parking is available on the street next

to the guardrail.

As Linda Locklin, SCC’s Coastal Access Program

Manager, describes it, “Our beaches are like public

sidewalks. People are free to walk on them, as long

as they respect nearby private property.”

(Photographs courtesy Tom Sinclair and Linda Locklin)

Invasive Weed Awareness Week, July 17th-23rd

In celebration of California Invasive Weed Awareness week, the MRCA will host a variety of

free public programs at Franklin Canyon Park. To kick off the week, on Sunday, July 16th, 11 am-1 pm

Nature Journaling - Hike, highlight and discuss invasive weeds of California

Invasive Weed Removal Project with REI, Saturday 9 am-11 am, to participate, please call 310-858-7272 ext.132

Run Away Plants - Explore invasive plant species, and the threatened California native landscape, on a scenic hike.

Saturday, July 22nd, 11 am-12 pm (All programs meet at the Sooky Goldman Nature Center).

*Remember, all MRCA parks are open daily, 7am-sunset to visit during the week*

Notes from the Field….Notes from the Field…...

Variable Checkerspot Caterpillars seek out

Sticky Monkeyflowers

This Variable Checkerspot Caterpillar was recently spotted munching

the leaves of a Sticky Monkeyflower plant in East/Rice Canyon. This is

an example of naturally occurring chemical pest control. But unlike the

pesticides and insecticide we humans indiscriminately spread over the

landscape, this chemical is localized and targeted for specific plants and

animals.

The Monkeyflower leaves produce a sticky resinous chemical that tastes

AWFUL to most would-be browsers. But the Variable Checkerspot

butterfly seeks out this particular plant as the place to lay her eggs.

(Photo courtesy MRCA volunteer Dr. Paul Levine.)

Her eggs hatch into caterpillars, which eat the resinous chemical in the

leaves. After eating the leaves, the caterpillar tastes AWFUL to any

would-be predators. This chemical protection continues throughout the

Checkerspot’s life cycle, up to and including the butterfly stage.

Variety in our Watershed

River (Riparian) habitats support a variety living things. Clockwise from top.

This stubby Lewis Evening Primrose was found at Ballona Wetlands during

an ongoing plant inventory by botanists with California Fish and Game.

This Hooker’s Evening Primrose, found along the Santa Clara River, is

significantly taller and the flowers are four times larger.

And this close-up of a Mustard Evening Primrose, found along Las Virgenes

Creek in Upper Las Virgenes Canyon OSP, is deceiving. The tiny flowers sit

on long spindly stalks.


Water birds can be found

along our rivers, estuaries and in

open spaces.

Snowy Egrets were hunted almost to

extinction in the 1800’s. Their feathers

adorned the hats of fashionable ladies.

Ranger James Latham took this photo recently from San

Vicente Mountain Park. This view looks northeast, over the

San Fernando Valley towards the San Gabriel Mountains and

is a major component of the Los Angeles River watershed.

This Green Heron obviously never heard the

saying - “don’t eat anything bigger than your

head.”

A Great Blue Heron watches

expectantly while stalking fish.

Canada Geese bob their heads up and

down as a warning if anyone comes too

close to their chicks.

Summer 2006: Open Spaces Create Clean Water - Part 1

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Transcript of Summer 2006: Open Spaces Create Clean Water - Part 1