Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve

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Last Updated: December 4, 2025

Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve is a 600-acre coastal estuary located in Los Angeles County, California.


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Summary

It is one of the few remaining wetlands in Southern California and serves as a critical habitat for local and migratory bird species, fish, and plant life.

Visitors to the reserve can explore the diverse ecosystem by hiking on the trails and boardwalks that wind through the wetlands. There is also a visitor center with exhibits and educational programs about the area's history and natural resources.

Some points of interest to see within the reserve include the saltwater marsh, freshwater marsh, and upland habitat areas. The reserve is also home to endangered species such as the California least tern and the Belding's Savannah sparrow.

Interesting facts about the area include that it was once home to the Tongva people and was later used as a filming location for movies and TV shows. Additionally, the wetlands have been the site of efforts to restore and protect the habitat from development and pollution.

The best time of year to visit the Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve is in the spring and fall, when migratory birds are passing through the area. However, the reserve is open year-round and offers a unique outdoor experience in the heart of Los Angeles.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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