By Jeff Johnson, story and photos
On July 18, a large group of GLS hikers took a walk through neighborhoods of north-western Long Beach to visit the Dominguez Gap Wetlands next to the Los Angeles River.
This area used to be a bald and inaccessible flood control basin. A project completed in 2008 converted the basin on the east side of the river to a storm water collection and treatment facility, planted with native vegetation, and with paths for people, bikes and horses. That is where we walked. Treated water from the collection basin is now transferred to a settling basin on the west side of the river, where it recharges the aquifer beneath. The new public paths are regularly full of pedestrians from the neighborhood and walkers from groups like the Sierra Club Long Beach group.
After the hike, we assembled in nearby Scherer Park for some birthday treats that Laura and Karen brought. Thanks!
Now, here’s the challenge for next year: will we be able to come up with a walking route that gets us to the settling basin on the west side of the river?
