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PROTECT
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Now is the time to make this vision a reality, for us, for our children and for every generation to come. Some ecosystems, such as forests, are relatively easy to revive even when they've been severely damaged. Others, such as coral reefs and coastal wetlands, are much more difficult to bring back to life. Once lost, they are likely to be lost forever. The Los Cerritos Wetlands are unique among Southern California coastal estuaries because, despite the dredging and filling, paving and oil extraction, pollution and neglect, the biological core of the wetlands is nearly intact. There is still promise for the future. |
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In our vision for the future of the Los Cerritos Wetlands, life flourishes and beauty is restored. Walkways and viewing platforms will offer an intimate look at this one-of-a-kind natural setting. Schoolchildren reflecting the great cultural diversity of the surrounding high density urban region will be amazed by the strange and wonderful beings that call these wetlands their home. And hundreds of pristine, peaceful acres will provide a welcome refuge for resident and migratory wildlife--and people--at the water's edge. Here is the Los Cerritos Wetlands Land Trust's plan for restoration of the wetlands. Today, these are just lines on a map, but it is our hope they will one day be a reality of life and beauty reborn. |
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Long Beach alone has nearly half a million residents. Many are newly arrived from nearly every country in the world. In the inner cities of Long Beach and the Los Angeles basin, where many kids have never seen the beach, had a picnic by a stream, heard the song of a meadowlark or shriek of a hawk, or smelled the wildflowers or the sea, this project will provide a wilderness experience within a one hour school bus ride to 20 million people. Unlike most restoration projects, the Los Cerritos Wetlands Project seeks to restore a high functioning estuary in a densely urban setting of unparalleled cultural diversity. What Central Park is to New York City, the Los Cerritos Wetlands can be to Long Beach and surrounding cities--a virtual oasis inside a culturally diverse ethnic community with highly dense urban sprawl.
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