Aquarium restarts Los Cerritos restoration program

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Citizens can now venture back into the Los Cerritos wetlands for cleanup. AOP photo by Cassandra Davis

The Aquarium of the Pacific has announced a resumption of the in-person effort to remove non-native plants and trash to help restore the Los Cerritos Wetlands at this all-ages Aquarium-hosted volunteer opportunity offered monthly on the first Saturday of each month.

The Aquarium of the Pacific hosts a monthly habitat restoration event at the Los Cerritos Wetlands. The Los Cerritos Wetlands Stewardship Program is working to restore 66 acres of wetlands owned by the Los Cerritos Wetlands Authority.

The program’s ongoing restorative activities have included removing non-native plants, planting native plants, collecting seeds from rare plants for later use, and collecting trash. Restoring local wetlands helps the animals that rely on them for habitat, like amphibians, reptiles, and birds.

These events are led by trained naturalists and local educators, offering an opportunity for people to learn more about the Los Cerritos Wetlands, while getting hands-on involvement with the restoration. Everyone is welcome to participate.

Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Closed-toe shoes are required. Hat and sunscreen are recommended. Drinking water will be provided, but this is a plastic water bottle-free event. Please bring a reusable water bottle.

The aquarium announced the program will be held on the following Saturdays; August 7, September 4, October 2, November 6, and December 4, 2021, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Participants will be greeted by Los Cerritos Wetlands staff at the corner of Pacific Coast Hwy and 1st Street in Seal Beach. Arriving around 10:15 a.m. is recommended, according to a news release.

The cost is free and there are no reservations required.

For more info, visit www.iwanttohelp@tidalinfluence.com / aquariumofpacific.org/events/info/los_cerritos_wetlands_habitat_restoration/
The nonprofit Aquarium of the Pacific is a community gathering place where diverse cultures and the arts are celebrated and where important challenges facing our planet are explored. The Aquarium is dedicated to conserving and building nature and nature’s services by building the interactions between and among peoples.

Home to more than 12,000 animals, Aquarium exhibits include Shark Lagoon, the June Keyes Penguin Habitat, Pacific Visions, and the Coral Reefs: Nature’s Underwater Cities exhibition. Beyond its animal exhibits, the Aquarium offers educational programs for people of all ages, including a variety of lectures by guest speakers. The Aquarium offers memberships with unlimited FREE admission for 12 months and other special benefits. To make a donation to help support the Aquarium, please visit Pacific.to/donate.
To visit, advance reservations are required for everyone and can be made at aquariumofpacific.org or by calling (562) 590-3100. The Aquarium of the Pacific is located at 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802.