Exploring the Wild Side of Beachy and Vibrant Long Beach, CA

Long Beach is a city that epitomizes diversity in more ways than one. From its vibrant arts scene to its eclectic food offerings, the city has something for everyone. But did you know that Long Beach also boasts a thriving natural environment? If youre an avid nature enthusiast looking to explore the wild side of this cosmopolitan city, then read on.

One of the best places to start your exploration is at Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge (800 Seal Beach Blvd., Seal Beach, CA 90740). Here, visitors can observe over 300 species of birds along with other wildlife such as coyotes and rabbits. The refuge provides crucial resting and feeding habitat for migratory birds along their Pacific Flyway journey. Additionally, visitors can hike through coastal sage scrub habitats which once covered much of Southern Californias coast before urbanization took hold.

Another fantastic place to visit is Los Cerritos Wetlands (1st St. & PCH), a saltwater marsh home to over 200 bird species as well as several endangered plant and animal species such as Beldings Savannah Sparrow and Lightfooted Clapper Rail. There are miles of trails where you can spot everything from mudskippers, fiddler crabs, coyotes or even otters swimming in open water channels that feed into Alamitos Bay.

To add some beachy sunkissed flavor into your adventure head towards Bluff Park (3500 E Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, CA 90803) located on top of cliffs above long sandy beaches stretching down toward Belmont Shore.

Stroll around park admiring oceanview mansions built by oil magnates back in early twentieth century or sit enjoy sunset while watching pelicans flying overhead diving into waves below .

If youre looking for somewhere less crowded but still incredibly beautiful try El Dorado Nature Center (7550 E Spring St., Long Beach, CA 90815). Here, you can explore two different ecosystems in one place. Take a stroll through the oak woodland to spot squirrels or deer and then head over to the pond to observe turtles swimming along with redeared sliders poking their heads out of water.

In conclusion, while Long Beach is known for its vibrant urban scene it also offers an abundance of natural beauty that is worth exploring. Between wetlands alive with wildlife and nature reserves teeming with flora and fauna theres something for everyone here. Dont miss out on experiencing this unique mix of beachy, eclectic and wild side all wrapped up into one beautiful city!

Scientific Fact: The Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge serves as an important migratory stopover site along the Pacific Flyway providing crucial feeding, resting habitat and nesting areas for several species of birds including raptors like Peregrine Falcons.

Natural Fact: The Los Cerritos Wetland hosts endangered species such as Beldings Savannah Sparrow which nests nowhere else but within few miles radius from this saltwater marsh considered invaluable bird sanctuary part of eastern Pacific Ocean ecosystem

Websites:

Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Seal_Beach/

Los Cerritos Wetlands http://lcwlandtrust.org/

El Dorado Nature Center https://parks.lacounty.gov/eldoradonaturecenter/

Twitter Handles:

@SealBeachNWR

@LCWLandTrust

@ParksandRecLA