From the City of LA Parks and Rec Homepage:
Ringed by mountains, rivers and streams, the Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve is haven of rest for wildlife and humans alike, a welcome oasis within an urban setting. It is here where the visitor of today can get a sense of what this part of the San Fernando Valley might have been like before agriculture and urban settlement forever changed the Valley floor:
•The leaves of willows, cottonwoods, and sycamores glistening in the breeze;
•The calls of migratory waterfowl and shorebirds such as ducks, Canada geese, herons, and egrets penetrating the stillness as they take flight after resting and foraging at the wildlife lake;
•The musty scent of mulefat, sages, and mugwort heavy in the air after a winter's rain; and activity of small birds such as the goldfinch, woodpecker, and oriole as they search for food and shelter amongst the oak savannah
The basin is designed to act as an overflow and control water drainage to the ocean. Unfortunately, trash and garbage such as plastic, packing material, aluminum cans, styrofoam cups, etc are all collected in the drains and make their way into the river and branches of the surrounding area. Geese, fish, and ducks are all forced to swim around or through the debris, not to mention whatever is leaking into the water.
I'm asking for your help in letting the San Fernando Valley chapter know that this is a beautiful preserve, and because you can't "stray off the beaten path," it makes picking up even the smallest amount of garbage a hassle, not to mention illegal. I've tried contacting the department to organize a clean up, but have been met with no assistance or help. Please help us let everyone know what a beautiful little gem this is tucked between the freeways.
