Madrona Marsh Nature Center and Preserve
A Science Field Trip Possibility

By Wendi Gotanda and Cesar Sanchez
Elementary Science Methods Students 2001-2002

The Madrona Marsh Nature Center and Preserve is located at 3201 Plaza Del Amo in the city of Torrance and is the last vernal marsh to exist in Los Angeles County. It is a naturally low-lying land area that receives water run-off from the surrounding highlands. Run-off waters combined with rainfall constitute the water input into this ecosystem. On a yearly basis, the marsh goes through cycles of flooding and of drying out. The marsh is one large city block in size, comprising approximately 43 acres. The marsh is fenced in; all of the surrounding areas have been developed into a shopping mall, condominiums, and houses. Within the marshland property itself are several oil pumps.

Because the marsh is so close by, students have the unique opportunity to observe and learn about marshland creatures in their native habitat. What a wonderful field trip opportunity the Madrona Marsh can offer us as teachers. The Preserve contains four distinct ecological regions within its boundaries. These are the dune scrub, the vernal pool, the alkaline margin, and the vernal marsh. Throughout Madrona Marsh, several native animals can be found within these regions, such as ducks, finches, frogs, gophers, gopher snakes, butterflies, and lizards.

By coming to the marsh, students will be able to see first hand how intimately linked animals are with their environment. They can observe animals in their native state, providing students with a clearer understanding of both the animals and the environment, compared to if they only read about these creatures in their text books. By seeing that the land surrounding the marsh has become thoroughly urbanized, students will also be able to make links between the survival of animals and the encroachment of humans upon natural resources.

The learning opportunities available through a visit to Madrona Marsh coincide quite well with both the national and California science standards set forth for third grade students. We feel that a field trip to the Madrona Marsh Nature Center and Preserve can aid students in their understanding of the characteristics of organisms, the life cycles of organisms, and of organisms and their environment. These marshlands, when viewed through the lens of scientific inquiry, can greatly enhance science learning in the classroom, perhaps even fostering in students a greater appreciation for their environment.

The Madrona Marsh Nature Center and Preserve are two separate locales situated across the street from each other at the above address. Visitors can park their cars at the Nature Center. The Nature Center officially opened on April 28, 2001, although the Preserve has been there for several years. The Center’s hours of operation are 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, seven days a week. The Preserve is open 24-hours a day.

At the Nature Center are an exhibition room, a classroom, a project lab, an atrium, and a gift shop. Surrounding the atrium are several animal life displays, including one of bird specimens and one of photographs taken at the marsh. The exhibit hall includes museum- style displays that explain the various landscapes for the marsh, as well as an explanation of the animals that can be found there. The classroom can be used for lectures as well as a place for student activities. Scattered throughout the room are tanks that house not only live animals that can be found natively at the marsh, but also animals that have been anonymously dumped onto the marshlands. They have been removed from the marsh area for their own protection as well as for the well-being of the marsh environment.

Field trips can be taken to the Madrona Marsh free of charge. The Nature Center does not have a fee for school functions. Patrons may be asked to pay a nominal fee if they participate in some of the community activities that the Nature Center sponsors, such as nature walks and guest lectures. Call (310) 782-3989 for more information.