Creating Urban Wilderness in the South Bay of L.A. County

Conservancies play a key role in maintaining and acquiring parklands across the United States. In the South Bay of Los Angeles County, the South Bay Parkland Conservancy is working hard to preserve and expand open space in the region. Its focus thus far has been Hopkins Wilderness Park which is located in the city of Redondo Beach. According to the 2016 Los Angeles Countywide Parks Needs Assessment, Redondo Beach only has 1.4 acres of parkland per 1,000 residents, which is well below the countywide average of 3.3.

Hopkins Wilderness Park was developed in 1977 as a center for camping, nature study and conservation. The 11-acre site includes: four ecological habitats: forest, meadows, streams, and a pond; amphitheater; three overnight campgrounds: Gumwood Camp, Pine Camp, and Sycamore Camp; Elm Camp picnic site; and public restrooms and support facilities.

Since 2017, the South Bay Parkland Conservancy has been working with community volunteers and the City of Redondo Beach to restore Wilderness Park to its natural state. Specifically, the Conservancy and volunteers have:

• Planted over 5,000 native plants, representing over 100 different species. 
• Organized 100 different park events with weekly and monthly volunteer restoration opportunities.
• Collaborated with local schools on bio blitzes, Girl Scouts on outdoor education, and environmental clubs and Eagle Scouts on projects.