The Ballona Watershed, as you've never seen it

Never heard of the Ballona Watershed? It is outlined in green; the blue lines represent perennial streams, some of which have been converted to storm drains. Credit: Jeanette Vosberg

One of Southern California's most urban watersheds remains hidden in plain sight. The Ballona Watershed is a series of perennial streams -- most of them converted to storm drains, others remaining underground throughout the L.A. Basin -- that drain to Ballona Creek and the Pacific Ocean in Playa del Rey. 

The rain-fed creeks provide water that begins from the top of Mulholland Drive near Griffith Park. Why not capture this precious resource and allow it to slowly go back into the earth for trees and wildlife? Imagine how 130 square miles of Ballona rainwater could contribute to backyard habitat and much more in the L.A. Basin.

Come explore the Ballona Watershed on an easy hike at 7:55 a.m. Aug. 12 in the Fern Dell part of Griffith Park. Learn how a wild perennial stream was hidden underground in the past, how it could be uncovered in the future, and why it matters now for L.A.'s thirsty future.

The hike is free and open to all. Click here for details on where to meet.