About the Los
Cerritos Wetlands
The Los Cerritos Wetlands, located at the border of Seal Beach and Long Beach in Southern California, are one of the last remaining coastal wetlands in the region. Once spanning over 2,400 acres, only about 500 acres of this vital ecosystem remain today, fragmented by urban development and oil operations.
Learn More About UsVolunteer at the Los Cerritos Wetlands
Since the first community volunteer planting at Zedler Marsh on 10/10/2010, volunteers have played a major role in the ongoing restoration of this sensitive habitat and much of the progress we see today is thanks to their collective efforts. The LCWA's Stewardship Program offers multiple volunteer opportunities for community members interested in learning more about this ecosystem and contributing to its long-term health.
Become a VolunteerGet Involved with the Los Cerritos Wetlands Authority
Volunteer Opportunites
Established as part of the LCWA's broader conservation efforts, the Stewardship Program focuses on habitat restoration, public education, and community engagement. Through this program, participants contribute to various activities aimed at enhancing the ecological health of the wetlands.
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Conducting Research
The Los Cerritos Wetlands Authority (LCWA) welcomes researchers dedicated to advancing scientific understanding of coastal ecosystems. To apply for permission to access LCWA owned land, please review our research application and submit it to info@rmc.ca.gov.
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Board Members
The Los Cerritos Wetlands Authority is a Joint Powers Authority composed of the San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy, State Coastal Conservancy, City of Long Beach, and City of Seal Beach. The Board of Directors of the Authority consists of four members, one from each agency.
Learn MoreLos Cerritos Wetlands Restoration
The Los Cerritos Wetlands Authority (LCWA) plays an active and impactful role in restoring the Los Cerritos Wetlands through land ownership and comprehensive planning efforts. The LCWA has developed a Conceptual Restoration Plan and a finalized Habitat Restoration Plan to guide the long-term revitalization of the area. In addition, it certified the Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Los Cerritos Wetlands Restoration Project, ensuring that environmental considerations are central to all restoration activities.
Learn MoreMap of the Wetlands that LCWA Manages
The Los Cerritos Wetlands (LCW) complex is an approximately 500-acre area, straddling the San Gabriel River and almost equally split between the cities of Long Beach and Seal Beach. Land ownership in the complex is mixed: approximately 158 acres are privately owned, and approximately 342 acres are in the public domain. Of the latter, approximately 243 acres are currently owned by the LCWA. The LCWA owned parcels are colloquially known as Steamshovel Slough, the Central Area, Zedler Marsh, and Southern Area. Additionally, the LCWA holds a long-term lease of the 3.5-acre State Lands Parcel immediately southwest of the Haynes Cooling Channel.