A group of endangered Pacific Green Sea Turtles has taken up residence in a portion of the San Gabriel River. Ecologists will lead a walk of the Los Cerritos Wetlands on Saturday, June 7th from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. This family-friendly nature hike will go through salt marshes to the San Gabriel River for a glimpse of the sea turtles.
Green sea turtles usually live in tropical or subtropical areas. There are many sea turtle nesting grounds along the Mexican coast. These turtles are an ancient species, dating as far back as 30 million years ago. They may grow up to 5 feet long and may weigh as much as 500 pounds. Mature green sea turtles are usually found in shallow coastal waters with sea grass beds.
In the 1980’s, wildlife authorities would receive occasional calls reporting sea turtle sightings. No one really gave much credence to these reports. Then, in 1988, a caller piqued the interest of a scientist who investigated and, sure enough, found a small colony of sea turtles living in the San Gabriel River.
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Warm water discharged from a local power plant seems to be the reason the green sea turtles have taken up residence in our city. The discharge site is where the turtles can seen. The origin of our Long Beach sea turtle colony is not known. They may have come from a colony of sea turtles found living near the warm water discharge of a San Diego power plant in the 1970’s.
The tour begins on the inland side of the intersection of Pacific Coast Highway and 1st Street, just at the border of Long Beach and Seal Beach. There is ample parking. The hike is appropriate for ages 7 and above. For more information or to RSVP, contact Elizabeth at ejlambe@lcwlandtrust.org. Learn more about the wetlands at www.lcwlandtrust.org.