Dominguez Gap Wetlands

"I remember going on a high school field trip with my biology class at Jordan High School in 2009 to clean nearby parts of the LA River when this project was just completed. In only A few hrs we picked up truckloads of trash.

Nearly 15 years later I find myself much older and much more grateful to have access to a space like this in an urban city like Long Beach. I found myself enjoying bird watching and attempting to identify the different floras. I am thankful for my science teacher, as now as an adult I can see his passion for science and the environment and his attempts to pass it on to the youth. You can't help but walk here and feel relaxed and be reminded of our connectedness to earth and the need to be conscious of our imprint on the world.

I've taken my daughter for walks here. I guess I'm getting old but this place is beautiful at any age 💗🌞🙏🏾🦢🦆

On my walk I spotted a Grreat Blue Harron and Canadian Geese as well as many other birds :)"

Roberto “Nightcrawler” Salazar

"This is a great reclaimed wetland off the LA River bike trail. It's a serene bird-watcher's paradise, with a very easy walking trail.

The trail is wide enough for bicyclists on the west end, but the east side should be reserved for pedestrians. There are also horseback riders passing through on their way to a separate trail. There is some bike parking as well, and shaded picnic bench. However, there is no potable water around, so be sure to pack your own water bottle.

In terms of nature, there are geese, mallards, coots, a variety of birds (I spotted a gold finch, a heron, Northern mockingbird, a pair of terns, and some kind of canary, and heard an owl), lizards and squirrels. I haven't seen any turtles yet but it seems like the right habitat.

On the walk you will spot a ton of reeds, California buckwheat, wild lavender, and wild tobacco.

Insect repellent and sunscreen are suggested on sunny days."

SJ Carter

"This place is located right behind my house. It is an excellent walking trail and also an access point to get onto the bike trail that runs along the LA River. You can enjoy some very interesting wildlife here. I have seen some beautiful and unusual birds. The ducks are aleveryday resident of this pond. Maybe three times I have run into snakes but totally harmless and minding their own business. So if you bring your children they do get to see ducks and during spring a lot of ducklings. I take my dog here everyday."

Sadiq Mehdi