Ballona’s native plants need a helping hand... yours!
Roll up your sleeves to help beautify Ballona Discovery Park and Ballona Freshwater Marsh! Get hands-on experience while learning about urban ecology. The time and effort you put in to clear out invasive vegetation gives our slow-growing native plants room to thrive. Healthy plant life is vital for a healthy ecosystem!
On 2nd Thursdays, Lisa Fimiani from LMU Cures will lead activities at Ballona Discovery Park. On 4th Thursdays, Neysa Frechette from FBW will lead activities focusing on restoration at Ballona Freshwater Marsh, a short walk from Ballona Discovery Park.
RSVPs: No RSVP is necessary for individual volunteers and small groups. Large groups of 8 or more, please register by emailing volunteer@ballonafriends.org or calling our office at 310-306-5994
Ages: Activities are recommended for ages 7 and up. Youths 15 and under should be accompanied by an adult.
What to wear: Close-toed shoes are required! We recommend dressing in weather-appropriate layers that you don’t mind getting a bit dirty, along with a hat. Long pants are also recommended to protect against occasional prickly plants.
What to bring: Bring a full water bottle to stay hydrated. There are no water fountains on site. We will provide all other tools and supplies.
Arrive on time: We work at different locations within walking distance.
Parking: We suggest you use the parking lot at the Sports Park. It is just west of Discovery Park, between Playa Vista Elementary School and Lincoln Blvd. Street sweeping restrictions are enforced on Thursdays. There is neighborhood parking available, but please read all street signs carefully!
Cancellations: For safety, we must cancel if it’s raining. Please check the weather before arriving. If you’re not sure, please call us or check our social media for cancellation announcements.
Public Health Advisory
For the health and well-being of all, we ask that all volunteers and visitors take proper precautions to limit the spread of illness, including the coronavirus and the flu. Please follow these guidelines:
Please do not attend the event if you feel sick and/or have a fever, cough or shortness of breath.
Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. (If a tissue is unavailable, use your upper sleeve or inside your bent elbow.)
Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds under warm water.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
Make frequent use of the hand sanitizer that will be available.
Feel free to ask a Friends of Ballona Wetlands staff member if you have any questions or concerns at all.