KYCC Coastal Transit to Trails: Ballona Wetlands, Where the Only Constant is Change

To better prepare for our trip, we are asking participants to allocate 5-10 mins to read the following information.

Meet up location: Wilton KYCC site at 8:00am and Menlo KYCC site at  8:30am

The bus will first pick up Wilton KYCC community members first, then we will head to Menlo KYCC site. 

Upon arrival, CNC staff will check-in folks and have community members sign waivers. Once everyone is gathered, we will dive into an ice breaker. We will then board a bus and cruise through the California Coast to visit the Ballona Wetlands, which will take about an hour (depending on traffic). 

The bus will drop us off at Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve where Bree Salazar, CNC lead Naturalist will lead us into a  land acknowledgment and welcome us to the site: its history & importance. CNC staff will pass out binoculars for folks to use; we ask everyone to treat the community-shared binoculars with care and respect for more communities to use them in the future. Things to keep in mind, the trail consists of a flat dirt path, occasionally transitioning to sand, and eventually some steps. Before starting our stroll, we will allocate time for restroom break, given the limited access (porta potty style) on site. Some of the trail will be narrow with some overgrown vegetation brushing as we pass through; therefore, we highly recommend wearing breathable long pants and sleeves to avoid the plants brushing on you (if that's not desired). As a way to prepare, we are asking folks to share this information with the youth in preparation for our visit.

During the program, we will get a chance to use microscopes and nature journal some species found at the Ballona's estuary. After strolling through the Ballona Wetlands, we will visit the jetty and observe all the life that is found at the Ballona creek and imagine what the space was like before the Marina Del Rey was built. When we end at the jetty, we will make our way back to Del Rey Lagoon to enjoy lunch together. After lunch, we will have the option to stay near Del Rey Lagoon or visit the beach side (approx. 1 hour, with no access to swimming due to CNC current policy). 

We expect the Ballona Wetlands to be mostly sunny with a high temperature at 67° and low temperatures at 50° and wind ENE 4 mph (subject to change), so layer up with thin layers that can easily be added or removed (think of layers like an onion!). We will spend 8:30am-4:30pm (8 hours) together so make sure to bring enough water, a nice filling lunch, backpack to carry your belongings, a blanket/towel to sit on, and curiosity for the ocean. Please make sure to arrive at both KYCC sites on time (5-10 mins early) because the bus will not wait; and in honor of people's time, we would love to follow our schedule accordingly.

When registering for this event, make sure to add your correct email and phone number, so that you can receive more details of what to expect on our trip and any recent program changes. Please use the coupon code that was provided to register for our trip!

Reminders: We will be strolling through the Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes. Please bring proper attire and/or products to protect your skin. Although we will have the option to visit the beach, CNC staff will not take responsibility for anyone swimming in the water. 

COVID POLICY: Masks are required at all times while indoors or on the bus. Masks are encouraged at all times during the program.

If you need any access needs (ways that we can help you have a safe and enjoyable experience) to make your trip as comfortable as possible or need to communicate with CNC staff about our Transit to Trails, please reach out to our Program Coordinator Zee Zetino, zee@communitynatureconnection.org AND ttt@communitynatureconnection.org. 

Please familiarize yourself with the following: 

Covid Guidelines 

Wavier & Photo Release Form