May 2016
Endangered Least Bell's Vireo Spotted in Hahamongna
The recent discovery of a pair of Least Bell's Vireo, a federally endangered bird found only in wetland areas, could throw a monkey wrench in the County Flood Control District's plans to excavate the Hahamongna basin. Another federal endangered species, the burrowing owl, has also recently shown up. The Flood Control District's environmental documentation largely ignored recorded sightings of the federally listed endangered species as well as California species of special concern, namely the yellow warbler and the yellow-breasted chat. "These recent sightings should really focus the regulators on the importance of protecting critical habitat like Hahamongna and enforcing the Endangered Species Act," said Mitchell M. Tsai, attorney for the Arroyo Seco Foundation and Pasadena Audubon in the No Big Dig Lawsuit.
Pasadena City Council Moves to Ban Styrofoam
It was an enthusiastic, green crowd that gathered outside the Pasadena City Council chambers on May 9 to celebrate the Council's unaminous vote to ban polystrene in the City of Roses. Now there shouldn't be as much styrofoam clogging the Arroyo stream, choking fish and filling up the Pacific Ocean. Kudos to Morey Wolfson of the Environmental Advisory Commission, Tim Martinez, who represented ASF on the citizens' task force, Wesley Reutimann, the "Good to Go" gang and all the community activists who made success possible.
Temperature -- A Key To Restoring Native Fish in the Arroyo?
The Arroyo Seco Foundation, Cal State Los Angeles and the Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains (RCD) have joined together to record hourly temperatures in the Los Angeles and Arroyo Seco Rivers. On May 6th the partners installed thirteen temperature loggers throughout the Upper LA River Watershed. The electronic devices will record stream temperature every hour; volunteers and staff will upload the data each month. Once a temperature profile can be recorded, management agencies will have better tools to plan restoration efforts for native fish species, such as the Arroyo Chub and Rainbow Trout.
ASF Watershed Coordinator David Bañuelas helped RCD and Cal State LA staff install two loggers in the natural stream section of the Arroyo below the Rose Bowl and above Hahamongna, upstream from JPL. Water quality will also be tested at each site. There will be a volunteer training for this project the first week of June. To get involved or to inquire about internship opportunities at ASF, contact david@arryoseco.org.
La Niña or Not?
This winter's climate in Southern California bedeviled journalists and scientists itching for massive floods and a Godzilla El Niño. Now some of the same prognosticators are predicting La Niña, the errant boy's sister, but will she show up or not? We recommend that you reject "clickbait" and stick with the science and your heightened water conservation efforts.
It's Great Fun to Kayak the LA River
This summer, from Memorial Day to Labor Day, you can kayak the Los Angeles River and learn about the habitat and hydrology that fuel it. Join LA River Expedition's education director Scott David Cher, former Arroyo Seco Watershed Coordinator, for a fun and educational event.
The course runs through the Sepulveda Basin, a lush and peaceful section that contains the river's best viewings of wildlife. Experience this serene yet vibrant natural resource through our guided recreational-educational tours, and you'll come away with a whole new perspective on the nature that's right here within Los Angeles. This is a whole new way to see LA!
For more information or to purchase your ticket, check out: LA River Expeditions or contact Scott directly at EducationDirector@lariverexpeditions.org
Arroyo Seco Calendar
Your guide to special events related to the Arroyo Seco, the Los Angeles River,
the San Gabriel Mountains, and key environmental issues in our region.
Click on the title link to read the event details.
Sunday, May 22, 9:00am --Nursery Volunteer Day
Where: Hahamongna Watershed Park, 4550 Oak Grove Drive, Pasadena 91103
Join us Sunday morning for a volunteer work day at the nursery! We will be propagating seed and transplanting seedlings into larger pots for upcoming restoration.
Directions are crucial to obtain if this is your first time to the nursery, please email nick@arroyoseco.org for directions.
Sunday, May 22, 2:00pm --Revitalize Urban Landscape & Conserve Our Watershed with Native Plants
Where: Urban Homestead 631 Cypress Ave, Pasadena, CA Description: Nicholas Hummingbird, Nursery Manager of Hahamongna Cooperative Nursery in Pasadena, will be teaching how to use native plants for landscaping, medicine and food.
The class will instill respect and stewardship for incorporating native plants into the conventional landscape for healing, habitat restoration and sustainability. 60% of the proceeds will benefit Hahamongna Cooperative Nursery programs, propagation and supplies.
Wednesday, May 25, 7:00pm --Treasured Landscapes - 100 Years of National Parks
Where: Eaton Canyon Nature Center, 1750 N Altadena Dr, Pasadena, CA 91107, United States
Description: Join the Sierra Club Forest Committee to celebrate the centennial of our National Parks.
Hosting 305 million visitors last year, the National Park Service (NPS) manages some of America’s most treasured places, from Yellowstone, Death Valley, Yosemite and Joshua Tree National Parks to more recent additions like César E. Chávez and Harriet Tubman National Monuments. Documentarian Ken Burns has called our national park system “America’s best idea.” Join us as we celebrate the National Park Service's 100th birthday with the agency’s own Michael Liang, who is a ranger at the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.
| Pasadena backs citywide ban of polystyrene for food | May 10, 2016 - It's been a long fight, but it's over. The Pasadena City Council has unanimously voted to ban styrofoam. | Unanimous Vote! — Pasadena City Council Bans Styrofoam Food and Beverage | May 10, 2016 - "A first-hand account of what happened at the last thirty minutes of Pasadena City Council’s meeting on Monday, May 9, 2016, in which the City Council vote to ban polystyrene food and beverage was unanimous." | Some emergency drought rules might be eased, but don't start hosing down sidewalks | May 9, 2016 - “Californians stepped up during this drought and saved more water than ever before,” Brown said in a statement. “But now we know that drought is becoming a regular occurrence and water conservation must be a part of our everyday life.” | Kidspace’s new Arroyo Adventure exhibit lets tykes play in the mud | April 30, 2016 - The Arroyo Adventure exhibit at Kidspace Children's Museum gives kids a serious dose of nature. | Volunteers remove tons of trash from Los Angeles River as Earth Month cleanup continues | April 23, 2016 - Friends of the Los Angeles River organized thousands of volunteers for an Earth Month cleanup of the river. | Making the Arroyo Seco Music and Arts Festival green | April 21, 2016 - The Arroyo Seco Music and Arts Festival won't truly be a success unless it is environmentally sensitive. |
Arroyo Seco Foundation
Los Angeles River Center, 570 W. Avenue 26 #450, Los Angeles, CA 90065
PO Box 91622, Pasadena, CA 91109
(323) 405-7326 | info@arroyoseco.org
