"WHERE PEOPLE AND NATURE MEET"

Madrona Marsh Preserve & Nature Center

Torrance, CA 90503
(310) 782-3989

The Preserve is open Tuesday - Saturday 10am - 5pm.  (Closed Sunday and Monday.) No reservations needed. Admission is free. Masks are optional.

The parking lot and Nature Center are located on the north side of Plaza Del Amo. The entrance to the Preserve is located on the south side of Plaza Del Amo, directly across the street from the Nature Center.

The Nature Center is open on Tuesday - Saturday 10am-5pm. (Closed Sunday and Monday.)

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 Current Programs:

Tyke Hike                            3 mo.-6 yrs.       FREE
First Thursday of every month               10:00am -11:30am
Hey kids! Bring your favorite adult for a hike in the Madrona Marsh Preserve! Listen for birds, look for frogs, and learn about a new nature topic each week. Closed-toed shoes and sun protection are recommended. Meet inside the Nature Center.

Nature Storytime         2-5 yrs.              FREE
Second Thursday of every month     10:30-12:00pm
Children will discover the wonders of the Madrona Marsh through stories, science activities and crafts. Pre-registration is required. Call the Nature Center to register.

Friday Fun!                       3-6 yrs.              FREE
Every Friday                                                 10:00am–12:00pm
A hands-on program for preschoolers that includes nature crafts, story time and a nature walk on the Preserve. Registration opens Tuesday at 10:00am of the same week. Call the Nature Center to register.

Bring the entire family to explore the night sky at the Madrona Marsh! Star Parties focus on different celestial objects each event and begin with a short introductory presentation inside of the Nature Center. Telescopes are available for viewing (weather permitting). Visit our website or call the Nature Center for dates and times. Led by knowledgeable astronomers.

Nature Walk                  All ages                  FREE
Second Saturday of every month        10:00am-12:00pm
A docent-led introduction to the plants and wildlife commonly found at the Madrona Marsh and around the South Bay. Call the Nature Center to register.

Palos Verdes/South Bay Bird Walk        All ages         FREE
Fourth Saturday of every month           9:00am–11:00am
Join members of the Palos Verdes/South Bay Audubon chapter for a guided bird walk through the Madrona Marsh Preserve. Meet at the Nature Center at 9 a.m. For new and beginner birders of all ages! Binoculars available to borrow from the Nature Center upon request.

Habitat Restoration                        FREE
Every Saturday                                 9:00am-12:00pm
Online registration is required (scan QR code)
Would you like to participate in helping maintain the natural resources of the Madrona Marsh Preserve? Lend a helping hand controlling non-native plants, removing weeds, and planting native plants. Children 14 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

 

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A visit to the Madrona Marsh Preserve is truly a unique experience. Come and explore one of the last remaining vernal wetlands in Southern California.  

What can you do at the Madrona Marsh?

• Take a self-guided walk!
• Watch birds - over 275 native and 50 non-native species seen over the past forty years. Bring binoculars!
• Draw, sketch, paint or photograph animals and plants of the Preserve.
• Help us restore Preserve habitats by planting, weeding and removing debris or trash.
• Visit the Nature Center! There is an Exhibit Hall that features the natural history of this region. Check out the Live Animal collection that includes insects, snakes, frogs, and turtles! Look into the Laboratories conducting environmental research and education. Take a walk through the beautiful Native Plant demonstration garden.
• Volunteer with us! Work on habitat restoration and maintenance, native plant propagation, or animal care. Become a docent and learn to lead tours of the Preserve and Nature Center. Volunteer at the front desk, the front gate, or in the gift shop. For more information, visit www.FriendsOfMadronaMarsh.com/volunteer-opportunities.shtml

 Partnership: The City of Torrance and The Friends of Madrona Marsh

The Madrona Marsh is owned by the City of Torrance. It is kept in perpetuity as a wildlife preserve and is under the stewardship of the City's Park and Community Services Department. The City is the employer of any paid personnel that work at Madrona Marsh and Nature Preserve Center.

The Friends of Madrona Marsh is a non-profit organization of volunteers dedicated to the preservation, education, and aesthetics of the Madrona Marsh Preserve. The organization are the stewards and advocates for the Preserve and works in coordination with the City of Torrance. They create program, are sponsors, and conduct activities that promote the understanding, enjoyment and preservation of the marsh. Members and volunteers also lead tours as docents and assist in Nature Center and Preserve projects the Friends of Madrona Marsh has been the backbone of the Madrona Marsh Preserve for more than forty years.

Friends of Madrona Marsh website

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Photo Gallery - Birds