Wildlife refuge event at the LA river on August 29 @ 12noon

Event Highlights Conservation Partnerships and Celebrates the Revitalization of the Los Angeles River

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The public is invited to join in celebrating the revitalization of the Los Angeles River and the partnership between the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the Los Angeles Conservation Corps and the Friends of the Los Angeles River, Saturday, August 29th at The Frog Spot, along the LA River bike path, from 12 to 2 p.m.

Anchored in the south by the San Diego National Wildlife Refuge Complex and to the north by the Hopper Mountain National Wildlife Refuge Complex, the Southern California Urban Wildlife Refuge Project reaches deep into Los Angeles’ diverse urban core where the revitalization of the Los Angeles River is bringing back nature to urban residents and in particular, connecting urban youth with America’s natural wonders. With eighty percent of Americans now living in cities, there is an increasing challenge of how to connect current and future generations with national wildlife refuges and the outdoors. This project is part of the Service’s Urban Wildlife Conservation Program and unites critical partners - Los Angeles Conservation Corps and Friends of the Los Angeles River - in this endeavor.

Speakers at the event will include Wendy Butts of the Los Angeles Conservation Corps; Shelly Backlar from Friends of the Los Angeles River/River Rover; Councilman Mitch O’Farrell; Councilman Gil Cedillo; and Councilman David Ryu. The event and speakers will highlight the partnership’s accomplishments in benefitting the urban park project; what has been gained as a result of the partnership; and the impact upon and role in ecology, river hydrology, water quality and overall Los Angeles River conservation efforts.

Guests will have the opportunity to visit FoLAR’s 38’ mobile visitor and education center, the Los Angeles River Rover, and participate in educational activities run by LACC’s L.A. River Corps and FoLAR’s Education Team.

A light lunch with refreshments will also be available. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions.

EVENT DATE: Saturday, August 29, 12pm - 2pm

LOCATION:

The Frog Spot, 2825 Benedict Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90039

**Located along the LA River bike path.

MEDIA CONTACT: Danny Bellas, 818-288-3972 or dbellas@aol.com

MORE INFO: Visit fws.gov/urban

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