Rambling the Arroyo

This morning before the rain, my son and I enjoyed a short stroll along the lower Arroyo Seco with KPCC environment reporter Molly Peterson. We parked at Pasadena's Lower Arroyo Seco Nature Park and headed north toward the Colorado Street Bridge (pictured above).

My 2-year-old walked this, but most of the trail is accessible with a jogging stroller.

Under the bridge, concrete disappears and the stream meanders. Last summer, the Arroyo Seco Foundation partnered with the City of Pasadena to restore a petite native fish, the Arroyo Chub, to this area.

Willows and mallards also inhabit the stream bed, as do invasive plants such as Mexican Fan Palm, and cape-ivy (below). The latter is an especially brutal weed, as it will climb shrubs and trees and smother them. Left to its own devices, cape-ivy (Delairea adorata) will blanket the entire terrain, preventing seeds of other species from sprouting. It can be hard to tell destructive ivy from its more benign relatives, so weed experts advise gardeners to avoid ivy altogether.

After our short Pasadena walk, we drove a couple miles south to South Pasadena Nature Park, which flanks the Arroyo on the south as the stream swings west.

Horticulturist Barbara Eisenstein has led volunteer efforts to restore this stretch of the Arroyo. Eisenstein says the primary approach has been to try and get the upper hand on the worst weeds, including castor bean, milk thistle and ailanthus. She adds,

More recently I have been ready Bringing Back the Bush - The Bradley Method of Bush Regenerationwritten by Joan Bradley. The method is based on work by Joan and Eileen Bradley in Australia. Basically it calls for working from areas where native plants are doing well towards more degraded land. This allows the native plants to move out into the weedy areas. If one just removes weeds leaving a void, the weeds are always at an advantage for reestablishment.

We will be having a "Planting Party" on January 23rd with student volunteers from Occidental College (MLK Service Day) and community volunteers. We will be planting close to the central kiosk where the buckwheat, giant rye, coyote brush, toyon and oaks were planted in 2004.

The park has come a long way since it was "restored" in 2004. As we control weeds we are beginning to see native plants taking hold on their own. The buckwheat and California fuchsia are spreading from the 2004 planting. We have seen deerweed and datura, both native plants common in disturbed areas, and at my last visit I noticed some fiddleneck (Amsinckia). We have a long way to go but we are definitely making progress.

On our visit, Peterson helped my son photograph a toyon bush. He also enjoyed watching a trio of horses (plus riders) heading for the nearby stables.

Despite the weeds, the park is a refuge for native plants, including this lovely oak.

I enjoyed seeing the fluffy white blossoms of this coyote brush (Baccharis pilularis) glittering in the sunlight.

This park is just east of the bike trail that runs for two miles along and in the (channelized) streambed.

Lower Arroyo Seco Nature Park is located below Arroyo Blvd at Norwood in Pasadena. To get to South Pasadena Nature Park, head south on Arroyo until it meets Pasadena Avenue. The park entrance is on the right side, just before the road re-crosses the 110 Freeway.

Hike Los Angeles

RAMBLING MT. WASHINGTON

Elyria Canyon Park is a lovely refuge in NE Los Angeles. This undeveloped patch of the southwestern side of Mt. Washington is surrounded by city. But it preserves a fairly intact parcel of native walnut woodland.

California walnuts (Juglans californica) are important nesting trees for birds and a food source for ground squirrels and Western gray squirrels. They frequently mingle with coast live oaks in shaded canyons. Sometimes, like here, they are the dominant tree species.

We recently enjoyed a peaceful Sunday morning stroll in Elyria Canyon. At 9:00 a.m., we were the only people on the trail. We encountered plenty of fall color--in the form of poison oak.

I thought my two-year-old would be bored here. There's no stream, no nature center. But he was enchanted by the simple act of hiking with a walking stick--fashioned from the dried stalk of an invasive mustard plant. (No native species were harmed in the making of walking sticks.) He also liked the views of the city, the Verdugo Mountains, Griffith Park, the LA River and--boy that he is--the 5 Freeway.

We listened to scrub jays squawking, and watched yellow-rumped warblers and white-crowned sparrows dart through the elderberry bushes.

I was charmed by a small patch of California fuchsia (below).

I hear there are remnant patches of native purple needle grass (Nassella pulchra), but, with toddler in tow, didn't try to identify them. In the 19th century, sheep and cattle grazed Mt. Washington, so the persistence of anything herbaceous is a pleasant surprise.

After our hike, we took the boy for a train ride at nearby Griffith Park. Even closer is the playground at Rio Los Angeles Park.

Hike Griffith Park

Amir's Garden

It's been too hot to hike. But we snuck a short one in at Griffith Park last Sunday, plus an hour of play at Shane's Inspiration Playground. Our toddler had just started sleeping in a bed instead of a crib, and we were looking to tire him out.

We hiked the short (1/2 mile) trail to Amir's Garden. A volunteer, Amir Dialameh, landscaped this area with exotic plants. Although I wish he'd opted for native plants, the area is a lush, cool respite. The steep, little paths that run between the dense vegetation are fun for kids to explore. 

The first 1/4 mile of this trail is steep, so this is a better hike for kids over five. (Our two-year-old climbed on dad when the going got tough.) The trail levels out once you hit the water towers.

Other highlights of the hike: good views of Glendale, the Verdugo Mountains, NE Los Angeles, and eastern Griffith Park; and horses that frequent the trail, stopping to slurp from the trough at Amir's. (But some can get a little too friendly.)

The trail to Amir's is an unpaved fire road; it's hot and exposed, so don't hike it midday. Still, you cool down once you get there. The benches make it a nice spot for a snack. 

If your kids are still energetic you can follow the trail further uphill. We turned around and headed for the playground. You can also couple this hike with pony rides (and train), the Merry-Go-Round, or Travel Town, all of which are fairly close by.

Directions to the Trailhead

I find LA Recreation and Park's website for Griffith woefully inadequate. It lacks a good map and directions to key features. It's also not updated. (The Bird Sanctuary looks alluring on the website, but the trail through it is closed.) 

From the intersection of Griffith Park Drive and Crystal Springs Drive (next to Shane's Inspiration Playground, just north of the Merry-Go-Round), follow signs for the Harding Wilson Golf Courses Club House.  Take Griffith Drive past the Club House to Mineral Wells Picnic Area.  Just as you arrive at the picnic area, look for the junction of three trails, including a wide road that heads to some water towers. That's your trail. 

From the NW corner of the park, look for the intersection of Zoo Drive and Griffith Park Drive (near Forest Lawn cemetery). Take Griffith Park Drive (heading SE) to Mineral Wells Picnic Area. At the southern tip of the parking lot, look for the junction of three trails, including a wide road that heads to some water towers. That's your trail. 

Or try these directions sent to me by the volunteers who maintain the garden.

Ride the Arroyo Seco

FAMILY BIKING IN LOS ANGELES

To quote our two-year-old: "Yeah! I did it!" Our family rode in the First Tour de Arroyo cycling fest last weekend. Later in this post, I'll tell you about an easy, off-road, mini version of this trip. The Tour de Arroyo was organized by the Arroyo Seco Foundation to celebrate the late bicycling advocate Dennis Crowley and promote a green belt of open space along the Arroyo Seco. The Arroyo is a major tributary of the Los Angeles River; it's headwaters are the San Gabriel Mountains above Pasadena.

For the Tour, cyclists gathered at Memorial Park in Pasadena. It was fun to check out the variety of bicycles. 

We rode city streets until we arrived at Arroyo Seco Park, bordering South Pasadena and the LA enclave of Hermon. We road downhill, along the Arroyo--paralleling the 110 Freeway--for a couple miles.

We hit the streets again in Montecito Heights, crossed the LA River--

and pedaled, victorious, into Los Angeles State Historic Park (Cornfields). From there, our son was thrilled to be able to take the Goldline back to Memorial Park. It was an exciting day for all of us. We don't normally ride on such busy city streets, but biking with a group allowed our son to get a new view. 

FAMILY RIDE ALONG--AND IN--THE ARROYO

Here's how you can bike a portion of this ride, without worrying about street traffic. You can reverse these directions if you live in the Pasadena area. You can also walk the trail, playing or picnicking at Arroyo Seco Park. It's a good choice for older kids, or little ones riding in strollers. (Not so great for toddler who'll want to get in the water or climb the concrete channel.) Look for red tailed hawks perched atop the sycamore trees, or circling overhead.

Start At

Montecito Heights Recreation Center

4545 Homer Street

Los Angeles, CA 90031

213-485-5148

Drive to the Montecito Heights Recreation Center. Heading east on the 110 Freeway, exit at Avenue 43.  Travel two blocks to Homer Street, turn left on Homer. Park in lot. Cross park and head toward the Arroyo (alongside the freeway). You'll see the bike path running next to the channelized streambed.

This path runs two miles north up to Arroyo Seco Park in Hermon/South Pasadena. The path soon ducks into the Arroyo, so be aware of the weather. During and after rain, large amounts of water race down LA's channelized waterways and make them dangerous. Even on dry days, water flow here can be quick, so keep small children away from it. When you arrive at Arroyo Seco Park, look for the horse stables.

Got more time? Combine this with a trip to nearby Debs Park. Got a favorite (family friendly) bike ride? Please let us know.

Family Nature Walk

Explore LA's Franklin Canyon Park

Franklin Canyon is a great spot for a family outing. Our visit here began a stop at the nature center to pick up a park map. Then we strolled around "Heavenly Pond." It's brimming with turtles! Most of them aren't native. (I'm not sure any are, but a docent here has recorded a sighting of one Western Pond Turtle.) All the more reason not to worry that my son got this close to the turtles. (I'd never let him approach Western Pond Turtles as I'm especially concerned not to disturb native species.) Even so, your child should not touch any turtles. For one, we want to respect all wildlife. Two, turtles carry salmonella.  

The pond was also full of ducks: mallards, wood ducks and mandrins. This very short trail is paved and accessible to people with disabilities (also good for strollers). For best wildlife viewing, arrive early before the weekend crowds. Also, check out the native plants along the trail, including this monkey flower.

Franklin Canyon is home to smorgasbord of local and exotic plants from oaks to palms and redwoods (which don't occur naturally in So Cal). Next, we meandered the trails that rim the upper reservoir. We listened to the bird chatter coming from the cattails rimming the lake, and watched a red tailed hawk circling overhead. 

Finally, we returned to the Sooky Goldman Nature Center. Never pass up a nature center.  At this one, our son enjoyed an exhibit where he pressed a button to make a stuffed mountain lion roar. I peeked at the log where docents and visitors record the critters they've seen. Quite a few folks had seen bobcats. I surprised to find "mountain lion" on the list. I scoffed at the idea to a park ranger, only to find out he was the one who saw it. (Mountain lions are extremely rare in the Santa Monica Mountains.)

The Mountains Recreation & Conservation Authority offers a variety of nature walks and activities for kids at Franklin Canyon Park.  

Other notable trails:  The short Discovery Trail and 2.3 mile Hastain trail. You can also hike (or drive) from this park--crossing Coldwater Canyon Blvd--to Coldwater Canyon Park and the Tree People Center for Community Forestry.

Franklin Canyon Park

2600 Franklin Canyon Drive

Beverly Hills, CA  90210

310-858-7272

You can also enter the park near intersection of Coldwater Canyon and Mulholland Drive, i.e. from the San Fernando Valley.

Park map and directions.

TIPS FOR FINDING YOUR WAY

From Studio City, drive up Coldwater Canyon to its intersection with Mulholland. You'll see Coldwater Canyon Park on your left; that's not what you want. Instead make a gentle right onto Franklin Canyon Drive (the sign is hard to see). A sharp right would shunt you onto Mulholland. Drive down the road and turn left into the parking lot by the nature center. "Heavenly Pond" and Upper Franklin Reservoir are a short walk down the road you drove in on.

City Views

Get A Good Look from Elysian Park

Okay, I gotta be honest: Elysian it ain't. It's nice, but certainly not endlessly blissful. However, here's a simple hike that affords good views of the city, from Glendale to East LA. Yes, that concrete canal near the 5 freeway is the Los Angeles River.  

Start at the trailhead at the northwest corner of Stadium Way and Elysian Park Drive, just shy of the Grace E. Simons Lodge.  It's about a 2 mile loop from start to finish. Without kids, you could walk the entire thing in about 40 minutes. With them, who knows!

Most of the trail is smooth and wide, but there is a hill near the end. With little kids, the loop may be too long. Just go as far as you think they'll be able to amble back and turn around. On a recent trip, I saw a mom pulling two tikes in a wagon. You could also trek this trail with a kid in a jogger, or a baby in a carrier. 

The view is really the thing here. The trees are mostly eucalyptus (nonnative), and the weeds have run amok. Still, some natives, such as red-berried toyons, persist.

There's one confusing spot on the trail. Near the end you'll hit a two-way junction that soon leads to another split, pictured below. To avoid a short but steep downhill scramble, take one of the two right-hand trails. They end at a big lawn near a gate. Head downhill on the lawn and the trailhead will be on your left. But all routes return you to the beginning. This trail is popular, so you shouldn't have to worry about getting too lost.

The trail is also a favorite of dog owners, and quite a few let their dogs off-leash. 

If your child--like mine on a recent visit--does not want to hike, there's a nice, new playground across the street from the Simons Lodge.

Elysian Park

835 Academy Road

Los Angeles, CA 90012

213-485-5054

The park can be confusing if you're not familiar with it, so bring a map. From Stadium Way, look for signs pointing to the Grace E. Simons Lodge and the Arboretum. Park along the road that leads to the lodge, as close to the intersection of Stadium Way and Elysian Park Drive as possible. The trailhead is on the northwest side of this intersection, about a quarter mile from the Lodge.

Our Central Park

Enjoy Wild LA in Griffith Park

Although many areas have been developed and some landscaped, much of this 4,100-acre park is native chaparral. The Ferndell area is popular, but it's a nice introductory spot, and a great place to take visitors.

For an easy stroll with a baby in a jogger or toddling youngster, cruise what I'm calling lower Ferndell. It's the landscaped stretch of creek on the west side of Ferndell Drive soon after you enter the park from Los Feliz Blvd. Look for the large wooden "Ferndell" sign. You can stroll from here up to the Ferndell Picnic Area. At the picnic area, you'll find a small playground. 

For a more vigorous walk, start at the picnic area (across the street from Trails Cafe) and head up Ferndell Canyon. Take the trail on the right side of the creek/dry creek bed. Parts of this trail are steep, so I don't recommend a jogger. If you have a baby or toddler, be prepared to carry her much/most of the way in a baby carrier. (We use a Kelty Kids carrier.) Otherwise, the trail is wide and smooth: easy for kids over age five.

It's about 1.25 mile to the Observatory on this trail. Listen for birds in the oak, sycamore and willow trees in the canyon below you. If you're hiking in winter or spring, look to your right for a large white-blossomed bush that smells like incense. This is ceanothus crassifolius, one of several species of "california lilac" that grows on local hillsides. Blue varieties are common and make lovely additions to home gardens. Also note the red-berried bushes on the slopes here. They are toyon. Early settlers thought it resembled European holly and dubbed it Hollywood. Speaking of, you can see the Hollywood sign from this trail, as well as the Observatory. Near the top--on a clear day--you can see the LA basin all the way to the ocean.

This trail is hot in the summer. Try it on a cooler day or in the morning. 

Ferndell Trail

Griffith Park

Ferndell Drive, LA

323-913-4688

From Los Feliz Blvd, turn into the park at Ferndell Drive. For the easy stroll, park soon after you enter the park. For the hike: try to park further up, near the picnic area, across from Trails Cafe.

More about So Cal Native Landscapes.

Getting Out There...with Kids

My son started talking around his first birthday. Now, at 17 months, he’s using his vocabulary to get a sticky grip on his world.
“MommyNO!” he bellows.
“MommyLap” he asserts.
“Peeck up,” he chirps.
“Car! Car!” “Truck! Truck!” “Backhoe” “Airplane sky” “Kitty nice”
“Caw-Wee-Bee-bee” (I have no idea.)

Among his most frequent requests are “outside,” “park,” and “me go,” which he says so wistfully you’d think we lock him in his room. But ever since he was born, my husband and I made a commitment to getting him—and ourselves--outdoors. As a newborn he would gaze up from a blanket at the lacey limbs of our Jacaranda tree. We’d picnic in parks. And, at about nine months, we began hiking with him in a Kelty carrier (pictured above). Check this site for some LA County sites you might like to explore, and some tips I hope will help.

Park Play and Nature Walk: Debs Park
Ernest E. Debs Regional Park
4235 Monterrey Road
Los Angeles, CA 90032
www.laparks.org
and
Audubon Center at Debs Park
4700 North Griffin Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90031
323-221-2255


Most people only know about one, but there are two destinations at Debs Park. For a great place to picnic and stroll with a jogger, visit the section off Monterrey Road. Because of the lawns and smooth paths, this is a good choice for infants and young toddlers. We enjoyed a Labor Day picnic with friends here. There are ample tables, shady trees and lots of grass. After chomping on fried chicken, we took the kids for a stroll. Look for a paved (but closed to vehicles) road to the right of the parking lot. It’s easier with a jogger, but a regular stroller will work, too. Don’t be put off by the steep hill at the beginning: The road levels off soon, and you’ll be rewarded with views of downtown and the San Gabriel Mountains. (We took Mateo’s first Christmas photo here, holding him in the Y of a pine tree. With mountain backdrop, the scene looked surprisingly alpine.) Turn either way at the top; it’s a short loop past a pond. When you return, you might enjoy a cold treat or drink, as an ice cream truck frequents the park.

Don’t miss the Audubon Nature Center at Debs Park. It’s part of the environmental group’s initiative to help city kids discover nature. Just check that it’s open, even if you only want to hike the trails. We showed up one Sunday with a whole bunch of kid junk and a picnic, only to find the area closed and gated.

When we did make it in, we discovered we could have left many of our accoutrements at home. Audubon will lend you joggers, back carriers, binoculars—first come, first serve, of course. We enjoyed the native plant restoration around the center, including arbors cloaked with native grapes. (Sadly, much of the surrounding hillsides are smothered with invasive, non-natives such as mustard and fennel.) Someone at the nature center can help you identify the plants and birds you see. And your critter may get to pet one of their critters, such as the snake. A large map lets kids (and adults) post their sightings.