Committee Meeting of AugustAUQust 13.13, 2012
City Council Citizen Development and Enrichment Committee City Council Chambers Torrance, California
Members of the Committee:
SUBJECT: Community Services - Breakdown Breakdown of of the the Madrona Madrona Marsh Marsh Nature Center and Madrona Marsh Preserve Budgets
BACKGROUND
At thethe May 8,8, 20122012 Budget Hearing, staffstaff werewere requestedrequested to bring bring back a break-out break-out of the the Madrona Madrona Marsh Marsh Nature Nature Center Center and and Preserve Preserve budgets budgets in order order to to explore explore budget efficiencies.
At the May May 15, 15, 2012 2012 Budget Budget Hearing, Hearing, staff staff provided provided a complete complete break-out break-out of the Madrona Marsh Nature Nature Center Center and and Preserve Preserve budgets, budgets, two two distinctly distinctly different different budgets. In In recap, recap, this this request was an an effort effort to betterbetter understandunderstand howhow these budgets are being being subsidized. subsidized. Staff has has provided provided the the following following information information that that shows the breakdown forfor these budgets. The The approved approved annual annual budget budget for the the Madrona Marsh and Nature Nature Center Center is is as follows:
Program Direct Costs Indirect Costs Deot. OverheadOverhead Citv Ovèrhead Overhead Total Nature Center $ 280,304 $178,822 $ 17,631 17.631 $ 30,487 $ 507,243 Preserve $ 142,233 $ 90,738 90.738$ 8,946 8.946 $ 15,470 15,470 $ 257,387
Direct Costs
For clarification purposes, the full-time labor cost for the Nature Nature Center Center Manager Manager is is loaded within thethe Direct Direct Costs category category for the the Madrona Madrona Marsh Marsh Nature Nature Center Center Budget; and the the full-time full-time labor cost for the Lead Lead Maintenance Maintenance Worker Worker is is loaded loaded within the Direct Direct Costs category for the Madrona Madrona Marsh Preserve Budget.Budget. These These full-time labor budgets were placed within the Direct Direct Costs Costs category category as as these these budgets are very specific and unique, unique, and are are only only responsible responsible for these these specific specific facilities, and if if all all labor labor were were eliminated, eliminated, these these budgets budgets would would also also be be eliminated. eliminated. This is also true for the Farmer's Farmer's Market Market Budget. Budget.
1 Madrona Marsh Nature Center:
o 1 Full-time Manager/Naturalist (incl. sal/benefits) $115,900
o 9 part time staff (does not include benefits) o 9 part time staff (does not include benefits) $111,313 o 1 1RecreationRecreation Specialist Specialist II II (1,664(1,664 hourshours / / .8.8 FTE)FTE) o 1 1Intern Intern (999 (999 hours hours / / .5 FTE)FTE) o 7 7SeniorSenior Recreation Recreation Leaders Leaders (4,443(4,443 hourshours / / 2.1 FTE)FTE)
o Materials and Supplies: $ 16,959 16,959 o LiveLive animal animal upkeepupkeep andand maintenancemaintenance o Program Program supplies supplies and and services services o WaterWater testing testing supplies supplies o Lab Lab equipment equipment maintenance maintenance and and supplies supplies o Audio-visual Audio-visual equipmentequipment replacement andand maintenancemaintenance o TaxidermyTaxidermy supplies supplies andand maintenancemaintenance o Cleaning Cleaning supplies supplies o Staff Staff uniforms
o Professional/Contract Services: Services: $ 36,132$ 36,132 o JanitorialJanitorial ServicesServices o Security/Fire Security/Fire Alarm monitoring o Security/Fire Security/Fire AlarmAlarm maintenancemaintenance o Copier/PrintingCopier/Printing Services o Utilities Utilities o Program Program Instructors Instructors o NativeNative Plant Plant GardenGarden maintenance maintenance and and supplies supplies o Equipment Equipment repair repair and and service service o Non-routine Non-routine air air conditioner conditioner service service o Non-routineNon-routine building building maintenance maintenance - -electric, electric, plumbing, plumbing, painting, painting, pest control etc.
SUB TOTAL $280,304
Madrona Marsh Preserve:
o 1 Full time Lead Maintenance WorkerWorker (incl. sal/benf) sal/bent) $ 85,300 85,300
o Materials/Supplies:Materials/Supplies: $ 18,128$ 18,128 o Hand Hand tools tools o Watering Watering equipment: equipment: hoses, hoses, sprinklers, sprinklers, buckets, buckets, quick quick couplers couplers etc. etc. o Power Power equipment equipment replacement replacement o Heavy Heavy equipment: equipment: mowers, mowers, discers, discers, landscape landscape rakes rakes etc. etc. o NurseryNursery materials: materials: table table construction, construction, soil, soil, fertilizer, fertilizer, containers, containers, seed seed processing and storage, tools and storage
2 o IrrigationIrrigation repair repair and and installation installation o Fence Fence maintenance, maintenance, materials materials and and repair repair
o Professional/Contract Services: $ 38,80538,805 o RentalRental equipment o Pumping Pumping services services o EquipmentEquipment repair repair andand maintenancemaintenance o Tool Tool repair repair andand maintenancemaintenance
o Green-wasteGreen-waste hauling and. hauling and. dumping fees o Non-routine Non-routine irrigation irrigation repair repair and and replacement replacement o Non-routine Non-routine tree-trimming tree-trimming o VacuumVacuum breaker breaker maintenance maintenance and and repair repair services services o Electrical Electrical maintenancemaintenance and and repair repair o Bio-filerBio-filter MaintenanceMaintenance andand upkeepupkeep o Sump Sump pumps pumps maintenance maintenance and and repair repair
SUB TOTAL $142,233
Indirect Costs
The Indirect Indirect CostsCosts forfor thesethese budgetsbudgets werewere developeddeveloped fromfrom a formula formula and subsequent dollardollar valuevalue that was was distributed distributed throughout throughout each program in the the Recreation Division based onon eacheach program's budgetbudget size.size. The The total total indirect indirect cost cost is is comprised of the the entire entire division's division's overhead overhead costs, costs, including including full-time full-time management, management, supervisory and clerical clerical staff, staff, employee employee training, training, professional professional memberships, memberships, and and City Interdepartmental Charges including phone, internet and data service, computer replacement, liability/insurance funds,funds, andand generalgeneral buildingbuilding maintenance.maintenance. Staff Staff took the Total Total Divisional Divisional OverheadOverhead costs,costs, which which are $2,328,126, $2,328,126, and and divided divided them them between each of the different program areas, based based on their respective respective share share of total total Direct Costs.
ANALYSIS
In an effort effort to to review, review, and and see see if if there there were were any any budget budget efficiencies efficiencies that that could could take take place at the Nature Nature Center Center and Preserve, Preserve, staff staff reviewed reviewed all of the the direct direct costs costs within within the Nature Nature Center Center budget budget and Preserve budget individually.individually. Staff Staff found found that that Nature Nature Center Budget consists of 41 41% % full-timefull-time labor; and 59 % % Materials, Materials, Suppliès Supplies and and Contract Services. The Madrona Madrona Marsh Preserve Preserve budget consists of 60% 60% full-time full-time labor; andand 40% Materials, SuppliesSupplies andand Contract Services.
In summary, staff have identified that $201,500 ofof the total total $422,537 $422,537 for both both the the Madrona Marsh Nature Center and Madrona Madrona Marsh Marsh Preserve, Preserve, or approximately 47% of the the total total direct direct costs costs are are attributable attributable to the the full-time full-time labor labor of of the the Nature Nature Center Center Manager andand Lead Maintenance Worker.Worker. The The remaining remaining amount amount of $221,037 $221,037 or 53% of the Direct Direct Costs Costs are'associated areassociated with with part-time part-time Staff, Staff, Materials Materials and and Supplies, Supplies, and Contract Contract Services. Services. '.
3 In review ofof thethe labor operational efficiencies ofof thethe Nature CenterCenter and Preserve, Preserve, staff identified thatthat there are two full time staff staff members members and a total total of 9 9 part-time part-time staff members who are responsible responsible for for the full full operationoperation andand maintenance of these two facilities. The The labor labor budget budget for for the the part-time part-time staff staff members members totals totals $111,313. $111,313. Staff has provided an Organizational Organizational Chart and Operational Operational Chart with duties for all all staff members at these facilities (Attachment A).
In addition, volunteerismvolunteerism byby thethe Friends of Madrona Madrona Marsh Marsh and and local local volunteers volunteers equated toto 7,685 volunteers totalingtotaling 20,06720,067 hours.hours. In In order order to provide provide a value value for these volunteered hours, hours, staff used used the Bureau Bureau of of Labor Labor Statistics Statistics for California California rate rate of $21.79 per hour, hour, which totalstotals $167,914.$167,914. These These volunteers volunteers assisted assisted in in habitat habitat restoration, leading tours, teaching teaching classes, classes, conducting conducting biological biological surveys, surveys, assisting assisting with publications, assisting with with grant writing, developingdeveloping art work, keeping statistics on numbers numbers of visitors, visitors, volunteers volunteers and usage usage for for the the Preserve Preserve and and Nature Nature Center, Center, assisting in Marsh-related Marsh-related water quality quality monitoring, monitoring, assisting assisting in in biological biological research, research, mapping ofof the Preserve Preserve and and Nature Nature Center Center Property, Property, and assisting assisting in the the maintenance andand managementmanagement ofof thethe NatureNature CenterCenter andand thethe Preserve.Preserve. Staff Staff has has concluded that without the support of this huge volunteer pool, pool, and the part-staff that direct these volunteers, the current classes, programs and events that are currently currently provided at the Nature Center and Preserve Preserve would not not be be possible. possible.
Besides offering thousands ofof volunteer hours annually, the Friends Friends of of Madrona Madrona Marsh (FOMM) also support support the Nature Nature Center Center and and Preserve Preserve financially. financially. In In 2011 2011 they donated $62,482. Their donations provide forfor or assistedassisted with the native native plant plant garden maintenance, maintenance, restorationrestoration ofof the Preserve, Preserve, publications, publications, tooltool and other other equipment purchases, research/lab equipment purchases, the Friday Friday Fun Fun preschool preschool and Second Sunday science programs, programs, contract services, small grant support, audio visual maintenance, repair, repair, and and (if necessary) necessary) replacement. replacement.
Grant funding hashas also contributed contributed greatly in support of the total Nature Center and Nature Preserve programs. Over Over the the past past 10 10 years, years, small small grants grants totaling totaling more more than than $113,000 havehave assisted in in all all aspects of of the the Nature Nature Center Center and and Nature Nature Preserve Preserve program. Funds fromfrom these grants have provided for everyhing everything from from interpretative interpretative panels for for the gardens, gardens, to to interpretative interpretative brochures,brochures, toto thethe landscapinglandscaping of the the Madrona AvenueAvenue Median. In addition, staff have been been successful successful in securing securing a a couple of large grants totaling $1,464,000 of which approximately $500,000 funded a bio-filtration systemsystem thatthat cleanses urban runoff before it enters enters the the wetlands. wetlands. The The remaining fundsfunds willwil bebe used to make make improvements improvements toto the educational aspectsaspects of of the Nature Nature Center Center creating creating an an Interactive Interactive Educational Educational ExhibitExhibit asas well as as improvements toto thethe Preserve.
Staff alsoalso reviewedreviewed quantityquantity and and qualityqualiy ofof communitycommunity programs programs offered, offered, and determined that the Madrona Madrona Marsh Nature Center and Preserve Preserve offers offers numerous numerous high-quality programsprograms andand volunteer opportunities throughoutthroughout thethe year. The The programs focusfocus on nature-related nature-related educational classes,classes, tourstours that are in in alignment alignment
4 with California State Elementary Elementary School Standards for third grade, grade, general general Preserve Preserve tours for elementaryelementary students, students, college (curriculum-based) tours, seniorsenior programs,programs, Native PlantPlant '- Water-wise Water-wise Gardening Classes,Classes, nature art art classes, classes, nature nature photography classes, nature writing classes, nature-related Boy and Girl Scout Merit Merit Badge Classes, Eagle Scout Projects, Girl Scout Gold, Gold, Silver Silver and and Bronze Bronze Award Award Projects, sciencescience fair studentstudent mentoring,mentoring, college research mentoring, mentoring, college college internships, Torrance Youth Youth Leadership Leadership mentoring, mentoring, Youth Youth development development Program Program mentoring, Service Learning programs, outreach programs for many many schools schools and and organizations and Special Events. Events.
In order to put put this this into into perspective, perspective, in in 2011 2011 the the Madrona Madrona Marsh Marsh was was visited visited by by 30,582 people, who participated participated in self-guided self-guided walks, guided guided tours, tours, field field trips, trips, classes, cleanclean upup days, and other special special activities. Of Of these these visitors, visitors, 9,860 9,860 participated in a scheduled program. program.
In review of each operational area within within the the Nature Nature Center Center and and Preserve Preserve programs, programs, staff concludesconcludes thatthat bothboth thethe NatureNature CenterCenter andand Preserve Preserve operate operate extremely extremely efficiently on their existing (Direct Cost) budget of $422,537, and there are no budget efficiencies to be found without elimination of operational hours or full programs programs that are currently being offered to our community. community.
Lastly, staff are providing copies of various emailsand letters letters they they have have received received from the community community regardingregarding theirtheir supportsupport ofof thethe Nature Nature Center Center arid arid Preserve. Preserve. (Attachment B). B).
Respectfully submitted,
rvices Director CONCUR:
Attachment: A. Madrona Madrona Marsh Marsh Nature Nature Center Center and and Madrona Madrona Marsh Marsh Preserve Preserve Organizational Organizational Charts with Operational Chart B. Copies Copies of of letters letters and and emails emails of of support
JJ:TD:epv\restricted/commissions/cityJJ:TD:epv\restricted!commissions!city council committee\madrona marsh budget\08-13-12
5 Madrona Marsh Nature Center Organizational Chart
" Naturalist 1.0 FTE
--. .- / <, r: /' 7 Sr. Rec Leaders 1 Rec Specialist II 1 Intern 2.1 FTE .8 FTE .5 FTE 624 hours each (Avg.) 1664 hours 1040 hours -, 4368 Hours Total
Madrona Marsh Preserve Organizational Chart Attachment A
~r-t- Q) n :::::r 3 Lead Maintenance Worker ro :::::s 1.0 FTE r-t- » Madrona Marsh Marsh Operational Chart Chart
CityCit ofTorrance I CommunltwI CommunitSel"llkes Sel"sDepartment Dertent I ReretionI Recreation Serv:csServi:ces DMsionDMsion Madrona Marsh Preserve and Nature Center Madrona Marsh Preserve and Nature Center (as{as of 8/09/121S/09/12)
TracyTracyDrake,Managerand Drake, Manager and Naturalist(full-time) Natwalist (full-time) Oversee aU aspect of the Preserve and Nature Center operations, managemell and programs indudin¡: research, monitoring of species, maintenance of Oversee aU aspects of the Preserve and Nature Center operations, managemerrt and programs indudinll researchr monitoring of species, maintenance of the PreservePreserv and Nature Nature Center, all volunteers.volunteers. educational.educational. oiieach. outreach. mentorj¡ng. mentor'ng. leadership leadership and and internship internship pro~rams_li:ison pro~ram5_liaison wit COT with departments COTdepartments on project on on projectsand off on and off the Preserve. Preserve_ Worts withwit aU all land management regulation allenoes_a¡:enåes. Set Set Nature Nature Center Center and and Preserve Presere protocols protocols related related to to safety, safe, trainingtraining andand mainunance_ mainunance. Pulblish Pulblish all all nature nirure related related dOC1lments:about doaments: about the the nature nature ofthe ofthe Preserve_ Prerve.
PART-TIMEPART-TIMESTAFF STAFF Ed Vi:lnd~V~I,Vèlnd~v~i, LeadLead Gluulldsk~~P~1Giuuiidsk~~p~i (rull-iii~) (rull-lilll~) I , "'ll I ,. "' r, " , RespnsibleResponsible for all all of of the the maintenanc:e maintenanc:e ofof thethe Preserve,Preerve, surrounding MarkMarkChristiansen,Intem Christiansen, Intem I I Dawn(Beth)Scott,Sr. Rec.ldr. ,. " Dawn (Beth) Scott, Sr. Rec.ldr. " RobertRobertCarr,Sr.Rec.Ldr. (:arr, Sr. Rec. Ldr. parkways, and Nature Ceter Center grounds, grounds, aU aUtools tools and and equipmoent equipmoent withwith Nature Center (enter Maintenance Maintenance ProgramsCoordinator " limited assistanceassistnce from from volunteers, hire-a-youthhire-yout anod anodYouth Youth Development Development Programs Coordinator SciecesSciences Coordinator Oversl!esOvsees ¡:eneral llenl!1'lI1maintl!nancl! maintenance and and Cre:atesCreates and implement irnpll!ment iIll iIJllmarketing, marketing, Program students_students. Coordinates withwit PT PT staffstff for for P1oject, P1'ojects, liaisons liaisons with with ConductsConduct Preerve Preservl! soil soil and and water upke-epupke-p of of Nature Nature Center, Cl!nter, illlcludingiiicluding ooordinatesoodinates logistcs logistics of of all all Madrona Madrona thl!the Park ServicesServices Department Departent an an other other agencies agencies as as needed nel!de:d tesing,tl!stinll, andand reports,reort, maintains twotwo orgnizationorganization andand improvement imprement programs, maintains files, manages: ~ programs, maintains files, manages: sc:ience labs,labs, createscreates andand implements L ~ projcctc, f"1Jn~311evening pnJsr;am~ all N.;n;ure CentC:r Animl:!1 exhibit!; \.. \.. ail N.;ure CentCr Anim:il exhibit scienceasedSClence-based eGucational eGuClltlonal programsprogrms \. project, run~ "II evening progr.m~ ~~ "- , .J , " I '- .J Manages 10-20 interns & staff Ruth McConnell,Sr.Rec.Ldr.McConnell, Sr. Rec. Ldr. '" .• and volunteersvolunteers per/yr per Iyr " Manases volunteers per/mo ProgamProgramAssistant Assistant Manases 10 volunteers par/mo Manases 1S1S volunteer,svolunteer,s per/roo pe/ro MiaintnRMplntnR (lpnpl.. ppnplp nn nn wnr wnd- p,prmitlip,prmitfli: ar,par,p. MenlursMeiilurs 10-20 sludenbsludeiib pei/yr pel/y. Provides programprogram supportsupport for Volunteers assigned to rece:ption,reception, VCDlunteersassignedVCDlunteers assigned to reception, paid or are vOI'\nteers vol'Unteers from outside Mentors Elementaiy, Elementarv, Middle, High High SecondSecnd Sunday Sunday Science Science Program resereseard arch and and spl!dalspedal projectsproject related related animal fe:e:dinll:,cll!ricalassignml!ntsfeedinii, clerical asignment orcanizationsorganizations who are assigned to schoolscool and and college college studentsstdents conducting only (W01iks24(W0 24 hours hours a a vr) vrl to maintenance maintenance and program assista nce ..J and prgrm asst nce research at Nature Centl!rCentr and and who who .. Madrona to learn job skills through present at local science fairs 'tmpor:nytempor:ny WOB a~:¡iSRmc;nca~!OiSRmc;nc present at locl scienc:e fairs \.. PART-llME STAFF.__STAFF ...CONTINUEDCONTINUED PART-TIMEPART-TIMESTAfF... STAfF ...CONTINUEDCONTINUED \. ~ I I I I I " ,r '\"' , r , Unda Gonzales, Sr.Sr. Rec.Ree. Ldr.Ldr. DanielMarion,Sr.Daniel Marion, Sr. Rec.lrlr. Rec.ldr. " r " "" " RonRonMelin,Sr.Rec.ldr. Melin, Sr. Ree. ldr. CindyCindyFox,Sr.Rec.Ldr. Fox, Sr. Ree. Ldr. DinukMagammana,Sr.Rec.ldr. '" NurseryNurseryCoordinator Coordinator RestorationCoordinator " Dinuk Magammana, Sr. Ree. ldr. Restoraon Coordinator RestorationRestorationCoordinator Coordinator RestOlonRestOfationCoordinator Coordinator " WildlifeSpecialist/GraphicArtist MManacl!S anaces thette nativenati plant plant nursery.nursry. RptTuìti;RptTuit.; ;;mrl tr.llli.,tr.iin Advan,.PrAdvan,.Prl Wildlife Specialist/Graphic Artt Cordinaie3Coordinate3 aU CasteÚIle Scout:Scut: Cooordi:nate.sCo-c:oordi:nate.s General re..storati<)n,re.sorati~n, Cond uc:buc: bioloa1calbioloa1cal .surveY$ .surveY$ and and induding propagationpropgation andand inventory_invento. Restoration Crew members, Projects,Project, scoutscout tours,tors, meritmeri bail,e badg,l! oversel!Soversees allall tuletule manacement including documentation, CTl!atesgraphic:creates grphic: art for Coordin:ates Marrio-ttMarrilM VolunteersVolunteers coordinatesCOOrdinates Presere Prese:rve Watering Watering and and class-,dasses., coordinates ge:neralgeneral mappin~ mows mows and and maintins maintains resored restore:d programs, fliers,fliers, andand providesproides tours and and monthly.monthly_ TeachesTeaces :10-20 :1.0-20Native Natie SeiceService learning learning Pro,gram, Pro.gram, developsdevelop reoration,restoration, conduds conducts biologicl biological areas, maintains 236thi 236tht PL projectproject and progrmprogram support support inin art,art, photographic photgrphic AmGiricOlnAmGric4In pro.sramepro.srame par/vr õ:ndo:tnd implcme:rteìmplcme:nu m:inymo:Jny prosr.rn:;prosr.::arn:; .) surveys, teaChl!S ClaSSl!S ove.-sees tOOlInVentory \.. \.. surveys, teaChes classes .,.) \.. ovel'ees tooi InVentory .,.) and SCIl!nceprogramsscience progrms .) \. ~ .. \. .. \...\. ...,.) r ~ ManagesManagesProPagation ProPagation Manages 75-10075-100volsper/rno vols pe/mo Manages 75-150 volsper/rnovols per/mo Manages 75-10075-100 RestorationRestorion Manages 5-10 5-10 VolunteersVolunteersper/mo perlmo SocietSociety 5-155-15 vols per/moper/mo Volunteers assigned assigne:d to to rl!storationrestoration Volunteers assigned assigne:dto to restoration,restion, VolunteersVolunteersper/mo perlmo VolunteetVoluntee.-s assigned assigne:d biologicl biological 5'rveys, 5'Urvl!Ys, Voluntel!rs assist in thl! nursery and particite participate in in the the .1eadership- il!adership- Eagle ScoutScot projects,projec, and those Volunteers assist in the nursry Voluntoeers assignedassigned to generalgeneral recordrecrd keeping, kee:ping, reception NatuNature re andand and on highly specialized projects training program conducting biologicallfesearch/surveys and on highly specialized projecs training program conducting biological ¡research/surveys restorationresration or or tule tull! maintenanll:emaintenaniie Cel1fte:ranimalCeMer animal maintenancemaintenanc: L FULL-TIME: PART-TIME continued....continued •••• 1- Manager/Naturalist: Tracy DrakeDrake 8 - -Senior Senior Recreation Recreation Leaders: Leaders: 1- Lead Grounds Keeper: Ed Vandever 1- Lead Grounds Keeper: Ed Vandever •· - 4 -work 4 work 999 999 hours: hours: Bob Bob Carr, Carr, Ron Ron Melin, Melin, Beth Beth Scott, Scott, andand CindyCindy FoxFox •· - 1 -works 1 works between between 700 700 and and 800 800 hours hours per per year: year: Daniel Daniel MarionMarion PART-TIME: PART -TIME: ·• - 2 -work 2 work between between 300 300 and and 500 500 hours hours per per year: year: DinukDinuk MagamannaMagamanna && LindaLinda Gonzales 1- Intern Intern II II works 999 hours per year: Mark Mark Christiansen Christiansen - 1 works one program, program, 2nd 2nd Sunday Sunday Science, approxapprox 2424 hrshrs perper year:year: Ruth McConnell
Senior Recreation Leader Duties Position Summary Under supervision, plans, organizes, and directs recreation programs, and does related related work as as required, required. Organizational Relationships The Senior Recreation Recreation Leader reports reports directly directly to to a a full-time full-time Recreation Recreation ProfessionaL. Professional. Differs from Recreation Specialist in that the incumbent is not responsible for planning and organizing community wide events and programs programs within within a specialty area in in the the field field of recreation.recreation, Differs Differs from Recreation Leader in in that the Recreation Leader Leader is is not not responsible responsible for for the overall overall operation of a program, program. Representative Job Duties •· Monitors Monitors facility facility and and equipment equipment to to ensure ensure appropriate appropriate and and safe safe utilization utilization by by participants participants and and other other personneL. personnel. ·• Completes Completes a avariety variety of of reports reports and and routine routine forms forms such such as as safety safety check, check, work work requests, requests, vandalism vandalism reports, reports, participant participant attendance attendance reports, reports, telephone telephone log log sheets, sheets, program program posters posters and and parent parent permission permission forms, forms. ·• Plans Plans programs programs for for an an assigned asslqned park park and and prepares prepares monthly monthly and and master master calendars calendars of of activities, activities. .• Completes Completes program program registrations, registrations. ·• Collects Collects and and disseminates disseminates City City and and department department information information to to the the public, public. ·• Takes Takes facilty facility reservations reservations and and provides provides clerical clerical support support services services such such as as completing completing purchasing purchasing and and contract contract requests requests according according to to established established procedures, procedures. ·• May May assign assign duties duties to to subordinate subordinate leaders, leaders. ·• May May perform perform lower lower classification classification tasks of of same same assignment. assignment. Knowledge, SkillsSkils and AbilitiesAbilties KnowledoeKnowledge of: ·• A A variety variety of of recreation recreation activities activities such such as as softball, softball, arts arts and and crafts, crafts, field field trips, trips, tournaments, tournaments, and and special special events; events; ·• Techniques Techniques of of planning planning and and implementing implementing recreation recreation programs; programs; .• Telephone Telephone etiquette. etiquette. ·• Basic Basic first first aid aid procedures, procedures. AbilitvAbility to: .• Follow Follow written written and and oral oral instructions; instructions; ·• Perform Perform basic basic arithmetic arithmetic calculations; calculations; .• Plan, Plan, lead lead and and direct direct recreation recreation activities; activities; ·• Implement Implement department's department's philosophy philosophy of of recreation; recreation; ·• Establish Establish and and maintain maintain effective effective working working relationships relationships with with the the public public and and with with other other personneL. personnel. Experience Minimum of 1 year of part-time experience in recreation or demonstrated job performance performance in in a a specialty specialty area (Le, (I.e. fine or performing arts, sports, park and playground activities, preschool activities, therapeutic recreation, senior citizens or publicpublic information.information, Education No specific minimum, minimum. High School graduate, graduate. Attachment B
Friends of of Ballona Ballona Wetlands Wetlands ww.ballonafriends.orgwww.ballonafriends.org
Board of of Directors Dr. David Kay, President Dr. James Landry,Landr, Vice Vice President President Lisa Fimiani, SecretarySecretaiy July 7,2012 John Gregoiy, Gregory, Treasurer Ruth Lansford, Founder MicaMicah Ali Paul Costa Honorable Frank Scotto Dr. Pippa Drennan Susan GottliebGottieb Mayor Stephen Groner City Council Members Steve Hirai Torrance City Hall Hall Dr. EdithEdth Read Read BobShanmanBob Shanman 3031 Torrance Boulevard Catherine TyrrellTyell Torrance, CA 90503 90503 Richard Wegman Board Delegates Via Email Jacob Lipa Michael Swimmer Swier
Emeritus Board RE: Support Support for for Madrona Madrona Marsh Marsh Tim Rudnick Ed TarvydTarvd Dear Honorable Mayor and Torrance City Council Members: Members:
As Executive Director of Friends of Ballona Wetlands i I represent the interests of thousands of constituents who visit the Ballona Wetlands every year. One One of of the the things things we do is is promote promote other organizations that offer education and restoration programs programs in their watersheds, and Madrona represents a very special habitat of remnant vernal pools pools and seasonal ponds. ponds.
More than that, the Friends look up to and emulate the programs that Tracy Drake and her staff have created for the enjoyment and education of the many visitors to the Madrona Madrona Marsh Marsh Nature Nature Preserve. Considering Considering that that the the Preserve Preserve receives receives more more than than 30,000 30,000 visitors visitors yearly - between between the school kids kids coming coming on on field trips, people people attending attending classes classes of of all all kinds, kinds, performing performing restoration restoration activities, volunteering and participating in programs, or just holding meetings, Madrona Madrona is is a mecca which draws community members to gather and celebrate our natural natural world.
You have a fabulous nature center and preserve habitat habitat for visitors to explore, a wonderful treasure that we consider consider one one of of the the "pearls" "pearls" in in the the "emerald "emerald necklace" necklace" of of parks parks and and native native habitats left in Southern California.California. We hope hope you feel the same way we do and willwil continue continue supporting Madrona Marsh Marsh and all the wonderful services services they provide. provide. ~~~Sincerely, Lisa Fimiani Executive Director
P.O. BoxBox 5159,5159, PlayaPlaya deldel Rey,Rey, CACA 90296 phone: 310.306.5994310.306.5994 email: email: info~ballonafriends.ore:[email protected] -----Original Message----- Message----- From: Marcelo VignaliVignali Dear Mayor Frank Scotto: On behalf of myself, my two daughters, Grace and Gloria, Gloria, and several the neighborhood neighborhood children, children, I I would like toto implore that you please protect protect the Madrona Madrona Marsh Marsh from from budget budget cuts cuts or or worse worse -- -- closing closing the the marsh, marsh. My youngest calls the marsh, "Our backyard," backyard." Ever since I moved to Torrance five years ago, and discovered the marsh, marsh, I've I've been been taking taking my my girls girls and and several neighbor children there on a regular basis, basis. The marsh is a magical oasis that lies dormant for many months, revealing its incredible splendor after a good rain, rain. We look forward to spotting the shy seasonal migratory birds after the rains, rains. We've seen wood ducks, mallards, mallards, egrets, egrets, black black phoebes phoebes and and hawks,hawks. By hardened muddy pools, we've walked alongside the tiny footprints of the marsh's marsh's nocturnal nocturnal creatures creatures such as the skunks, opossums and raccoons. My My youngest daughter can show you and describe to you you the difference between raccoon prints andand an opossum, opossum. iI brought my youngest daughter along with one of her her friends, Angeline, to the the marsh marsh after after a a rain, rain. There There we caught some of the tiny frogs that were hiding hiding by by the water's edge edge in in the reeds, reeds. Her Her friend friend is is ten ten years years old and she said that she had never held held a frog in in her her life, life, she described described that day day as as "the "the greatest greatest day day in in (her) life," life." The tiny frogs swam in the pools of their palms palms as both both girls scooped up the water, then we made sure to to carefully carefully release the frogs frogs back into into the reeds, reeds. My daughter and I have caught California fence lizards, lizards. Some have blue bellies, and some are a dark brown,brown. These aren't different species, they're actually the male male and and female female version version of of the the same same reptile, reptile. On one occasion we discovered a large cricket. It was the size of my daughter's thumb! She held it it in in her hands while I snapped a few pictures, pictures. We researched it after we released it, only to discover this is a sand cricket. Neither of us had had ever seen one one before, before. At a time when most kids never get their noses out of some reality reality TV show, or a virtual reality computer game, we need the marsh more than ever. Our Madrona Marsh is a visceral reality, an ambassador to those things that that are are reaL. real. OurOur MadronaMadrona MarshMarsh isn't anan amusement park, park, or or garden garden park, park, it's it's a a real real functioning marsh with fragile and shy creatures enjoying this magical magical oasis oasis amid amid our our ever ever encroaching encroaching community,community. Mr. Mayor please protect the Madrona Marsh, "our backyard," backyard." Sincerely, Marcelo Vignali 20117 Hawthorne Blvd Blvd Torrance, CA 90503 310/948-3658 Date: Tue) 17 Jul 2012 14:58:13 -0700 -0700 To: FScott~torranceCA. [email protected] Gov From: Ruth McConnell (bk506~lafn. Dear Mayor Scotto - I am leaving town tomorrow and and will be be gone when the Council meets on August 13 13 to discuss the funding of the Madrona Marsh. I Ihope hope that that the the Council Council will will recognize recognize what what a a gem gem they they have have in in the Marsh and how lucky we are are to have have it it and and the money spent spent there is is not wasted. Just Just the the other other day day when when I I was was weeding) weeding) a a lady lady was was walking walking along the path and stoppedstopped toto talk.talk. She She was was from from Hermosa Hermosa Beach Beach and and had had found out about about the the 'Marsh throughthrough the Internet - and her comment was "I have found a little piece piece of heaven) heaven) and and I I won'twon i t let let it it go" go".. .. I I hope hope allall ofof youyou onon thethe CouncilCouncil willwill recognize that we do have a little piece of heaven there) and you will continue continue to fund it. We We are are so so lucky lucky that that our our hotels hotels recommend recommend their their guests guests visit visit the Marsh) and Torrance is becoming becoming the place for nature nature lovers lovers and and birders from the world over over to to come come and and visit. visit. Remember that when you are thinking of dollars and and cents cents and and know know that all youyou spend therethere comescomes backback toto us.us. I I have have weeded weeded at at the the Marsh Marsh since since I arrived in Torrance in October) 1995-just because because when I called the Marsh) Shirley Turner said said she she was going to weed) why didn't didn't I I join join her her and I did and I have loved every minute of the time I have spent there since. Sincerely) Ruth M. Mconnell -----Original message----- message----- From: Alfred Alfred Hennig -oderfa715tmhotmail.com Dear Mayor Scotto: Please keepkeep MADRONAMADRONA MARSH, MARSH, and and its its staff, staff, operational. operational. TheThe Marsh is aa truetrue oasis in the South South Bay!! Thank you. Al Hennig Torrance Professional Professional Offices Tenant ;¿."\ (' . \ LOÇ ANGELEÇ AUDUBON ÇOCIETY I,- , ,\, LO) ANGELE) AUDUBON )OCIETY ii.··\\ .. j j 7377 SantaSanta Monica Boulevard. Boulevard, West West Hollywood, Hollywood, California California 90046-6694 90046-6694 Tel: (323)(323) 876-0202.876-0202. (888) (888) 522-7428 522-7428 Fox: Fox: (323) (323) 876-7609 876-7609 Website: www.LAAudubon.orgwww.LAAudubon,org E-mail:E-mail: LAAS(§LAAudubon,[email protected] Honorable Frank Frank Scotto Mayor City Council Members Torrance City City Hall Hall 3031 Torrance Boulevard Torrance, CA 90503 Via Email Re: SupportSupport forfor Madrona Marsh Dear Honorable Mayor Scotto Scotto and and Torrance City Council Members: Los AngelesAngeles AudubonAudubon isis aa California California non-profitnon-profi 501(c)(3) 501(c)(3) corporation corporation established established in in 1910. 1910. The The mission mission of of Los Los Angeles AudubonAudubon isis toto promotepromote thethe enjoyment and protection protection of of birds birds and and other other wildlife wildlife through recreation, education, conservation and restoration. As Conservation Chair ofof thethe Los AngelesAngeles AudubonAudubon SocietySociety II represent represent thethe interestsinterests ofof hundreds of avid bird watchers who who visit visit Madrona Marsh Marsh every every year. Madrona Marsh is the last last remaining remaining remnant remnant vernal vernal pool pool in in Southern Southern California, California, and as such provides a vital stop-over for thousands of of migrating migrating birds birds and ducks ducks every year. LAAudubonLA Audubon considersconsiders thethe educationeducation andand restorationrestoration programs that Naturalist Naturalist Tracy Tracy Drake Drake and her staff have established at Madrona Marsh Preserve Preserve as invaluableinvaluable inin promotingpromoting healthy ecosystems ecosystems for birds and other wildlife, wildlife, bothboth at the preserve preserve and and in in the the local local community. community. Thousands of visitors benefitbenefit fromfrom thesethese programs every year at Madrona. Without these these pocket pocket preserves, preserves, and the education programs thatthat go with them, the the city city of of Torrance Torrance and and surrounding areas areas of LA LAcounty county would be be deprived of of a a great natural natural asset. asset. We ask thatthat you continue to support Madrona Madrona Marsh Marsh and and the the education education programs programs that that Tracy Tracy Drake Drake and her staff provide. Thank you Conservation Chair Honorable Mayor Mayor Frank Scotto City of Torrance 3031 Torrance Blvd. Blvd. Torrance, California 90503 August 6, 2012 Dear Mayor Scotto, I recently learned learned of of the City's interestinterest in determining the level of communitycommunity support for the Madrona Madrona Marsh Marsh Nature Center and Preserve. Unfortunately I cannot attend the the August August 13 meeting at City Council Chambers; II havehave summarizedsummarized mymy thoughtsthoughts inin thisthis letter. I have followedfollowed Madrona Marsh Marsh Nature Nature Center Center since itsits inception, and the Preserve itselfitself long before the the Center Center was was established. established. The City is to be commended for the the Center's Center's design, exhibits, programs,programs, habitathabitat restoration activities, activities, and efforts to reach out to the community. Tracy Drake,Drake, togethertogether withwith staff andand volunteers,volunteers, has done a phenomenal job placing Madrona Marsh, Marsh, and and hence, hence, the City of Torrance, on the map of "best practices" and destinations when it it comes comes to Southern California's nature facilities. Most notably,notably, thethe service-learningservice-learning and community service opportunitiesopportunities Tracy Tracy has extended to local high school school and college students is remarkable. These These programs present a a cost-effective wayway toto restorerestore and maintain maintain Madrona Madrona Marsh, Marsh, eradicate invasive invasive weeds, reestablish native habitat, andand restorerestore populationspopulations of of sensitive plantplant andand animal species. species. In addition, these programs enable youthyouth toto gaingain invaluableinvaluable jobjob skillsskils and and expand their career career horizons. For some, For it likely some, instils it likelya sense of instills a sense ofhope for thethe futurefuture and aa compellingcompellng reason to stay in school andand away fromfrom problematicproblematic elements. In thethe greatergreater scheme, scheme, it is not unreasonable to to consider consider Madrona Madrona Marsh Marsh an an effective effective form of primaryprimary preventionprevention of society's larger-andlarger-and expensive-problems. The presence of Madrona Marsh Nature Center andand Preserve brings "green relief' to to a a heavily industrialized industrialized city. city. It It provides Torrance Torrance residents, residents, as as well well as as visitors, with a range of opportunities to to help help curb curb what what noted noted author author Richard Richard Lou Lou has dubbed "nature-deficit"nature-deficit disorder." Its ambience attracts people people who who seek seek exercise in beautiful surroundings, birdwatchers who who seek seek wildlife-watching wildlife-watching outings, teachersteachers whowho seekseek authenticatedauthenticated experiences to connect abstract scientific scientific concepts concepts to to locaL, local, real-worldreal-world examples, examples, and familiesfamiles who who seek seek recreational outings withwith children. children. It It is is well well documented documented that that such such experiences inin nature extend far beyond simply having having a a good time. They counter emotional stress, stress, promote mental acuity, acuity, and and reduce physical health problems. Further, the data exist to support the claim claim that natural open open space space and trails are are considered considered highly highly desired amenities among prospective homeowners (http://www.americantrails.org/resources(http://ww.americantrails.org /resources /benefits Ibenefits lindex.html). lindex.html). The tangible and intangible benefits of of Madrona Marsh Nature Center are significant and extend far beyond "nature study." study." It truly is thethe emerald gem ofthe City City and a destination place for its communities. I hopehope thethe City takestakes thesethese pointspoints into consideration as as it reviews the merits merits of of Madrona Marsh. Sincerely, Jennifer Rigby Director, The Acorn Group Member, American Trails, Executive Committee and Board of Directors Member, California BlueprintBlueprint forfor EnvironmentalEnvironmental Literacy Leadership Team (ad hoc) Dear Mayor Scotto, We've had the pleasure of visiting Madrona Madrona Marsh andarid workingworking with some of their staff and volunteers on exhibits exhibits a a few few years years ago. ago. Split Split Rock Rock Studios Studios work with a a number of museums, museums, parks, parks, aquariums aquariums and and nature nature centers centers in in the the Los Los Angeles Angeles area, area, and know what a a rare rare and and valuable valuable resource resource the the city city of of Torrance Torrance has has in in Madrona Madrona Marsh. ThereThere are not many many places places where residents residents can can experience a native ecosystem inin thethe heartheart ofof aa city.city. The The nature center is an an important important community community resource, to help visitors understand understand and value the world around around them. You well know how few undeveloped urideveloped areas remain, remain, and and Madrona Madrona provides provides an an important haven haven for for wildlife wildlife andand people.people. The The Marsh Marsh provides a peaceful escape for for a short walk, and a fun place place for families to explore at all times of of the the year. year. Residents placeplace aa highhigh valuevalue onon thethe sense ofof well-beingwell-being that natural natural spaces spaces provide. provide. Preservation ofof ecosystemecosystem fragmentsfragments isis important regionally regionally and and globally. globally. We know these days ofof tighttight budgets budgets require careful careful assessment assessment of the value of every expenditure. We visitvisit naturenature centerscenters all aroundaround thethe country, and we can state unequivocally that Madrona Madrona Marsh isis aa highhigh qualityquality center and natural area that serves the community well, well, and and deserves deserves ongoing ongoing support. Sincerely, Lisa Friedlander Split Rock Studios 2071 Gateway Blvd. Arden Hills,Hils, MN MN 55112 55112 Ph 651.631.2211 651.631.2211 x717 800.433.9599 x71 x717 7 Dir 651.789.4717 651.789.4717 Cell 612.790.6428 lfriedlander~splitrockstudios.comlfriedlander@splitrockstudios.com ww.splitrockstudios.comwww.splitrockstudios.com -----Original Message----- Message----- From: NIETOENT Good letter, thanks Candy, Candy. In aa messagemessage dateddated 7/30/201210:34:317/30/201210:34:31 A.M.AM, Pacific Pacific Daylight Daylight Time, [email protected]~aol.com writes:writes: Dear Members Members of ofthe City Council and Mayor Scotto, Scotto, Please avoid making any decisions which would negatively impact the Madrona Marsh, which many regard as a priceless crown crown jewel jewelof of the South South Bay. Bay. Not only Not do thousands only do of thousands ofbirds frequent frequent the Madrona the Madrona Marsh as one Marsh of as one of the few available available places places to nest to or nestvisit orduring visit migration during along migration the coast, alongbut the coast, but just as as importantly, importantly, thousands thousands of of visitors, including schoolchildren, schoolchildren, have learned have to learnedappreciate tothe appreciatebeauty and wonders the beautyof and wonders ofnature by visiting the Madrona Marsh, and the Nature Center with the native plant garden that is is located located across the street. street. Recently, I was fortunatefortnate to to be be able able to to attend attend The The Evening Evening Stroll Stroll on on the the Marsh Marsh which which was was put put on on by by the the PVSB PVSB Audubon Society. Society. We heard Weand saw heard numerous and genera saw and numerous species of genera and species of birds, including egrets, and learned that there were about 60 ducks and ducklings visiting and living on thethe marshmarsh duringduring thatthat period.period. We We also learned quite a bit about the seasonal and perennial vegetation from Tracy Drake,Drake, whowho waswas ourour leaderleader thatthat night.night. As As a a frequent frequent visitor of the nature center, I have noticed that Tracy often works overtime and yet, she always has a positive, helpful and friendly attitude. Other Other dedicated dedicated staff staff members members also also often often attend attend our our Audubon Audubon Third Third Tuesday Tuesday monthly monthly meetings and they they add addso much so to much our discussions to our discussions and appreciation and of appreciation ofbirds and nature inin general. We We should should all realize realize and and appreciate just how hard working and dedicated dedicated those staff staff members really are. I invite you to please come out and attend our Evening on the Marsh which is scheduled for the month of May next year. But, But, if if you have not yet ever visited the Madrona Marsh and the Nature Center, you should visit soon, because you wil will begin begin to appreciate to appreciate it it just as as much much as those as thoseof ofus who frequently visit the Marsh to observe and learn about the other forms forms of of life life that exist exist in in this wonderful wonderful place. place. Respectfully, Candice Groat PVSB Audubon Society Dear Frank Scott, Mayor and City Council Members: Gene Barnett, Tom >) Brewer, Pat Furey Furey, , CliffCliff Numark,Numark, SusanSusan Rhilinger, and Bill Sutherland, >) >) I Iam am a amember member of of the the Point Point Vicente Vicente Chapter Chapter of of National National Society Society Daughters Daughters of of American Revolution. Our Our chapter chapter has has invited invited Tracy Tracy Drake, Drake, Nature Nature Center Center & Madrona Marsh Preserve Manager, to speak speak at at our our October meeting on on the history history and conservation ofof MadronaMadrona MarshMarsh Preserve.Preserve. We We asked asked her her to to speak speak because because of the high value wewe place onon conservation ofof naturalnatural resources.resources. The The Madrona Madrona Marsh Marsh Preserve is an extraordinary natural natural resource resource that that should should be be preserved. preserved. >) >) I Iam am alarmed alarmed at at the the news news that that the the City City of of Torrance Torrance may may close close or or reduce reduce its its operations at the the Natu Nature re CenterCenter and and Preserve. Preserve. Please Please know know thatthat the City City of of Torrance provides a valuable public and environmental resource resource and I strongly strongly encourage you to continue funding the Nature Center Center and and Preserve, Preserve, including including all all its programs. Thank Thank you you for for allowing allowing me me to to voice voice my my support support of of the the Nature Nature Center and Preserve, and I hope that you will consider these comments comments at at your August 13th meeting. >) >) Michele Gabelich >) 2ee Via Las Vegas >) PalosPalos Verdes Verdes Estates, Estates, CA CA ge274-1126 ge274-1126 !. I., Honorable Council Members, Members, As a 404Ø year Southbay resident resident and therefore a witness to the creation of the Madrona Marsh, I like like to urge urge you to support support and and fund this jewel jewel in in the the urban urban jungle which which surrounds it!it! Surely many of you have experienced the relative relative silence silence and and bird filled ambiance surrounding the visitor visitor there! there! I also like you to know, that as the coordinator of the Palos Palos Verdes Land Land Conservancy Nature walks, I I make a point of including the marsh into into our walk calendar and happily advertise advertise at at every every opportunity! opportunity! Sincerely, Anke Raue, PVPLC walk coordinator coordinator 28813 Rothrock Dr. RPV californiaCalifornia NativeNative Plant plant Societ~Societ~ soutbsouth CoastCoast cbapterchapter July 9,20129, 2012 The Honorable Frank Scotto Mayor, City of Torrance 3031 Torrance Boulevard Torrance, California 90503 Re: Madrona Marsh Preserve and Nature Center Dear Mayor Scotto: The South Coast Chapter of the California Native Native Plant Society (CNPS) commends the City for its stewardship of the Madrona Madrona Marsh Marsh Preserve Preserve and Nature Nature Center, and and urges urges you you and and your your City City Council colleagues to continue funding this community community treasure, treasure. This oasis of natural beauty beauty in in the heart heart of of Torrance is is highly highly valued by by those living living in in Torrance, Torrance, many other South Bay residents, and even out-of-town visitors. The Preserve Preserve attracts a wide variety of native wildlife, including including amphibians, birds, insects and small mammals, mammals. Because Because the Preserve is readily accessible, it is heavily used by the public who find refuge in the marsh itself and attend classes offered by faculty from CSU Dominguez Hills. The marsh has has become part of the formative education of many elementary and intermediate intermediate school children children by by offering offering supplemental education about biology, botany and conservation. City of Torrance funding for the Marsh Marsh is is greatly leveraged leveraged by by the work of of many many dedicated volunteers, volunteers. Additionally, the Friends of Madrona Marsh non-profit organization raises funds to maintain and program program this fabulous natural resource. We commend Tracy Drake for herher outstandingoutstanding leadership, extensive knowledge, and enthusiasm as Manager of the Preserve Preserve and and Nature Nature Center. She plays plays a a vital vital role role in in developing developing the many activities which occur occur at at the the marsh marsh throughout throughout the the year, year, recruiting recruiting the the volunteers, volunteers, working with the Friends, Friends, and providing providing the vision vision for future marsh marsh restoration restoration projects, projects. This year, CNPS plans to collaborate with Madrona Marsh on several activities, activities. The first of these occurred just a a week ago ago when nearly nearly 50 50 people people came came out out for an an evening evening program program and and walk through the Preserve. Preserve. On September 29, we will hold our annual Native Native Plant Plant Sale there in collaboration with the Friends Friends of of Madrona Madrona Marsh Marsh and the Palos Palos Verdes Peninsula Peninsula Land Land Conservancy. We expect more than 200 people people to attend, attend. Please continue to fund this vital resource. resource. Sincerely, David Sundstrom Vice President, South Coast Chapter California Native Plant Society www.sccnps.orgww.sccnps.ora From: SBWildlifeRehab(â[email protected] (SBWildlifeRehab(§aol.com)[[email protected]] Sent: Sunday, August OS, 20122012 10:34 PMPM To: Barnett,Barnett, Gene; Gene; Rhilnger, Rhilinger, Susan; Susan; Scotto, Scotto, Frank; Frank; Numark, Numark, Cliff;Cliff; Brewer,Brewer, Tom; Tom; Furey, Furey, Pat; Pat; Sutherland, Sutherland, BilBill Cc: WildBirdBob(âamail.com;[email protected]; Drake, Tracy Subject: Madrona Marsh I understand that the city of Torrance is is considering reducing reducing funding or or even closing closing the the Madrona Madrona Marsh Marsh Nature Center and Preserve.Preserve, This This would would be be a a disaster! disaster! Our organization, South Bay Wildlife Rehab, has participated in many many educational events events at the Marsh Marsh and have often worked closely with them with our wildlife rehabilitation rehabilitation efforts efforts as as welL. well. The Center has provided very valuable education to a vast span of children andand adultsadults fromfrom allall walkswalks ofof life.life, The The Marsh Marsh has also provided a crucial element in the preservation of a large large assortment of of wildlife species, species, especially birds, birds. Madrona Marsh is a very valuable part of the city of Torrance andand thethe environmentenvironment atat large.large, Please Please do not let it go away! Ann Ann C, C. Lynch, Director South Bay Wildlife Rehab 26363 Silver Spur Road Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275 310-378-9921 [email protected] ww.SBWR.orawww.SBWR.org