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Heal the Bay Blog
Category: California
Written by Sia Arguello, Heal the Bay, LA Waterkeeper, Council for Watershed Health, and Randolph Consulting
IMPLEMENTING LIVING SCHOOLYARDS in Los Angeles County has proven difficult. While we often focus on the difficulties of transitioning to living schoolyards, challenges still exist once the work is completed as well. Living schoolyard projects represent a long-term solution that school districts have developed to increase climate resilience while providing a nourishing environment that benefits students across the region.
In November, Council for Watershed Health, Heal the Bay, Los Angeles Waterkeeper, and Randolph Consulting Group began these efforts by presenting on the nexus of living schoolyards and stormwater harvesting on school campuses for the California Green Schools and Higher Education conference.
We continued these efforts this past May, by hosting the From Runoff to Resilience Symposium to discuss stormwater harvesting and living schoolyard projects across the region. The event had high interest and sold out nearly two months in advance. The audience included teachers, school district representatives, facilities staff, agencies, funders, watershed coordinators, and community members.
Heather Dietzel of Milwaukee Public Schools shares how transforming asphalt schoolyards into nature-based spaces can manage stormwater while supporting student learning and well-being.
Heather Dietzel, Sustainability Project Specialist from the Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS), opened the symposium on an optimistic note by showing how MPS’s work transforming barren, asphalt schoolyards into nature-based spaces that manage on-site stormwater has benefited both Milwaukee’s overwhelmed stormwater system and improved student learning and wellbeing on-campus.
Despite their vastly different climates and sizes, Dietzel’s keynote revealed unique parallels between MPS and LA County’s 80 school districts. While school districts in LA County collectively served over 1.24 million students in the 2025-2026 school year, both school districts are predominantly composed of highly underserved populations. In fact, 82% of MPS students and 72% of students attending public schools in LA County are considered socioeconomically disadvantaged. Both MPS and LA County’s school districts also face similar challenges, including declining student enrollment, budget shortfalls, and managing school campuses that are largely covered in asphalt. Currently, MPS includes over 500 acres of impervious surfaces and LA County’s 3,000+ school campuses contain approximately 15,240 acres of pavement. Despite the difference in scales, there are several lessons LA County’s school districts can learn from MPS and how they are transforming their school campuses into vibrant living schoolyards that harvest stormwater and connect students to their local watersheds.
Strategic Partnerships are key. Without non-profit partner ReFlo and the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District, Dietzel shared that MPS would not have been able to transform 37 schoolyards over the past 7 years, resulting in over 1.04 million square feet (SF) of asphalt removal, the planting of over 4,000 trees and restoration of 327,000 SF of native habitat, and management of 4.3 million gallons of stormwater per rain event!
Our case studies panel featuring Sonali Abraham, Claire Robinson, and Heather Dietzel, moderated by Eileen Alduenda built on Heather Dietzel’s keynote showcasing the potential stormwater capture of LA County schools, successful stormwater capture projects in LA County, and how MPS goes from a concept to a finished living schoolyard project. Schools offer a massive opportunity for greening and stormwater capture in LA County- Pacific Institute’s research indicates nearly 3.15 billion gallons of stormwater runoff is generated on LA County schools every year. Learning from successful LA projects completed by Amigos de los Rios and MPS (as well as organizations represented throughout the program) is essential to making implementing living schoolyards easier and more widespread across our region.
After the inspiring keynote and informative case studies were presented, attendees had the choice of attending two of three breakout sessions. These sessions included “From Project Concept to Implementation: From a Landscape Architect and Project Management Perspective” with Meagan Yellott, Robin Mark, Claire Latané, and Tori Kjer; “Immediate and Long-term O&M” with Tashanda Jones, Monica Campagna, Alyson Mello, and Juan Alvarez; and lastly, “Offsite Stormwater & Liability Roadblocks” with Alejandro Fabian, Anthony Pham, Christina Davila, Barbara Romero, and Sonya Williams. Key learning from the breakout sessions included:
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Living schoolyard projects require responsible planning, early coordination and identification of risk, and clear solutions. Projects should not only focus on solving environmental concerns but be a multifaceted solution that targets school requirements and prioritizes student needs.
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Systems change and treating greening schoolyards as a long game is necessary in order to create the wide scale impact we aim to achieve.
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Learning how to turn “no” around by understanding the concerns from school sites and district administrators, being flexible, and tackling concerns head-on is essential. So is learning when to push back.
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A living schoolyard should not be a project on top of everything else a school is worried about, but rather a solution that will help them achieve their established goals (whether that is social-emotional issues, increasing attendance, providing workforce development, etc.).
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Local champions have a huge impact on whether projects get built. Make sure to find someone who can champion your project, but you still need a village. Build your network and your capacity with partnerships – community relationships improve safety and stewardship.
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Funding is key to getting these projects implemented, especially having multiple sources as funding opportunities can drive adoption. The more funding we can bring and keep in this space, the better.
“Before” and “After” photo of the Milwaukee public school campus. Photo credit: Reflo.
The final session tackled the funding challenge that permeated much of the symposium. James Cortes, Aleigh Lewis, Salian Garcia, and Henry Herrera shared about funding sources available for project developers and schools to tap into to help fund living schoolyard projects in LA County. Upcoming funding opportunities shared by panelists and earlier in the program include Cal Fire’s Green Schoolyards Grant Program, Rivers and Mountains Conservancy (RMC), Baldwin Hills and Urban Watersheds Conservancy, and Measure W’s Safe Clean Water Program.
The symposium concluded with Dr. Marci Raney reminding everyone that green infrastructure can be more than just a way to harvest stormwater by showcasing how green spaces improve the lives of students including contributing to their sense of belonging, cognitive health, and academic performance.
Implementing living schoolyards is difficult, but it’s not impossible. These opportunities require a learning curve from everyone- school districts and practitioners alike, but together, we can work towards making living schoolyards a reality for all students.
Here are some resources shared by our presenters in case you want to dig deeper:
Some resources shared by our speakers are below:
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Resource List from Marci Raney including research, tools, and award/certification programs
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What do Schoolyard Forests Really Cost report
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Advancing Stormwater Capture for Greener Schools in Los Angeles report
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Untapped Potential: Leveraging Schoolyards for Stormwater Management & Climate Resilience report
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CalFire:
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Urban and Community Forestry Grants | CAL FIRE (our website page)
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Urban and Community Forestry (our hub site)
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LAUSD:
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Also available as a quick link (scroll down page to section titled quick links) from the LAUSD Facilities Website
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O&M resources
This work is supported by Accelerate Resilience Los Angeles (ARLA), Water Foundation, and the Los Angeles County Flood Control District’s Safe Clean Water Public Education and Community Engagement Grants Program.
Watch Now!
The future of California’s kelp forests depends on the sunflower sea star, and the future of this species could depend on one star.
In this webinar, Heal the Bay Aquarium Associate Director of Operations Laura Rink and Jen Burney, Aquaculture Lab Technician at Santa Monica College, take you behind the scenes of our urgent work to save the critically endangered sunflower sea star.
After a Sea Star Wasting Event decimated more than 20 sea star species and left the California sunflower sea star virtually extinct, Heal the Bay joined the Association of Zoos and Aquariums SAFE (Saving Animals From Extinction) Program to help turn the tide.
This webinar captures a rare and time-sensitive moment: our 2026 work to spawn one of the only reproductive female sunflower sea stars in California. A successful spawning could allow us to raise her offspring and, with state approval, one day reintroduce juvenile sea stars into local waters to help restore balance to our coastal ecosystems.
You’ll learn how aquaculture supports species recovery, why sunflower sea stars are a keystone species, and what happens when they disappear.
Then meet “Chicken Fingers,” the sunflower sea star at the center of this critical effort—and one of the last reproductive females from Southern California waters.
Because healthy coastlines don’t happen by accident. They take care, science, and a community of people willing to show up.
You don’t have to be an expert.
You just have to start.
More About The Comeback
Around 2013, our California coast experienced a Sea Star Wasting Event caused by a disease outbreak that decimated over 20 different sea star species populations and left the California sunflower sea star virtually extinct.
In the years following this event, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums created the Sunflower Sea Star SAFE (Saving Animals From Extinction) Program, bringing together more than 50 facilities from around the world. Heal the Bay has been an active member in this program for several years and, joined by Santa Monica College, continues working to turn the tide.
The sunflower sea star is a fast-moving, many-armed keystone predator that can grow up to 3 feet wide and uses thousands of tube feet to hunt sea urchins, helping protect and sustain vital kelp forest ecosystems.
In 2026, Heal the Bay Aquarium supported a critical effort to restore this endangered species through aquaculture science and species recovery. This work represents a rare opportunity to help restore balance to Southern California’s coastal ecosystems and protect the future of our kelp forests.
Resources from the Webinar
Can Aquaculture Save Our Oceans?
Learn More: Aquaculture at Santa Monica College
Meet Chicken Fingers at the Aquarium
Meet the Scientists
Laura Rink
Associate Director of Operations, Heal the Bay Aquarium
Professor of Aquaculture, Santa Monica College
Jen Burney
Aquaculture Lab Technician, Santa Monica College
Laura and Jen lead this critical work to support sunflower sea star recovery through aquaculture, species restoration, and the SAFE Program. Together, they are helping protect one of California’s most important keystone species—and the kelp forests that depend on it.
Want to support the science, education, and advocacy you rely on?
Thank you to our water partners at Open Water for supporting our events this Earth Month
Start Where You Are This Earth Month
This Earth Month, we’re focusing on one simple idea: Start where you are.
Protecting our ocean and waterways can feel overwhelming, but real change doesn’t happen all at once. It starts with small, consistent actions taken by people like you.
From reducing single-use plastics in your home to cleaning up your local beach or river to learning more about endangered species, every step forward helps build a healthier, more resilient future.
Wherever you are on your journey, Heal the Bay has a place for you.
Start small. Start local. Start where you are.
Heal the Bay Earth Month 2026 Calendar of Events
Check back for updates, events, news, and more! Click here to view the calendar.
April New Volunteer Orientation – Free
Thursday, April 9, 6:30 pm – 8 pm, Heal the Bay HQ – 1444 9th St, Santa Monica, CA
Not sure where to start? Join us for our Volunteer Orientation and discover all the different ways you can make a real impact on our oceans, coastal waters, and watersheds. From helping at the Aquarium to advocating for marine protected areas on the sand and supporting work to help save a species, there are so many ways to protect what you love.
Whether you’re just getting started or looking to deepen your involvement, this is your place to begin. Learn about our volunteer programs, connect with a community of passionate ocean advocates, and be the first to hear about upcoming events and opportunities.
In-Disposable: The Fight Against Plastic Pollution Starts Where You Are – Free
Wednesday, April 15, 6 pm – 7 pm, Virtual
Start with a question: Where does plastic pollution really come from? Join Heal the Bay Marine Scientist and Circular Economy Fellow, Emily Parker, for an eye-opening look at where plastic pollution really begins, its infamous history, and what small, personal choices we can make to stop it.
Protecting the LA River in a Changing Climate · LA Climate Week 2026 – Free
Friday, April 17, 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm, Spoke Bicycle Cafe
Take part in a special community panel during LA Climate Week 2026, a region-wide effort uplifting climate leadership across Los Angeles.
Join Heal the Bay, Friends of the LA River, LA Waterkeeper, Parents Against Santa Susana Field Laboratory, and Wishtoyo Chumash Foundation for an honest and hopeful conversation about the future of the Los Angeles River, from watershed health and water quality to restoration, policy, and community action.
This cross-coalition gathering builds a shared vision for a healthier, more resilient river. After the panel, we’ll take a walk along the river together. We’d love to see you there! Bring a friend, a colleague, or anyone who loves the river and wants to see it thrive.
Earth Month Nothin’ But Sand Beach Clean Up – Free
Saturday, April 18, 10 am – 12 pm, Santa Monica Beach PIer (Northside), Tower 1550
Start where it all began, at Heal the Bay’s home base in Santa Monica!
Join us this Earth Month for one of our biggest beach cleanups of the year. Help remove harmful debris from this iconic beach, connect with fellow ocean lovers, and learn how you can continue to take action for the environment.
Celebrate Earth Month at Heal the Bay Aquarium
Sunday, April 19, 11 am FREE Admission,
Santa Monica Pier
Start where science meets fun! Dive into an Earth Month Open House at the Aquarium under the Santa Monica Pier and explore the wonder of our coastline through hands-on experiences. Touch a shark, meet over 100 local species, including the critically endangered sunflower sea star, and discover how your everyday choices can create waves of impact. Enjoy fun planet-friendly activations like arts and crafts, nature journaling, and enjoy a surprise performance by award-winning artist and activist Madame Gandhi!!
Thank you, Sunny Within, for supporting this event!
Sunny Within is matching all gifts up to $2,500 given on or before April 19, 2026, to help you start where you are. Give what you can, make twice the impact.
Earth Day 2026
Wednesday, April 22
Start Where You Are. A new wave begins this Earth Day.
This Earth Day, we’re premiering a powerful new campaign about the small moments that spark big change. Wherever you are in your journey, this is your invitation to begin. Tune in, follow us on social, and don’t miss your chance to start.
The Comeback: Saving the Sunflower Sea Star From Extinction – Free
Tuesday, April 28, 6 pm, Virtual
We’re starting with a single sea star, and she needs your support. Join Heal the Bay for a virtual behind-the-scenes look at our urgent work to save the critically endangered sunflower sea star, why the future of California’s kelp forests depends on it, and how you can help.
Heal the Bay Earth Month BioBlitz – Free
Saturday, April 25, Manhattan Beach Dunes, 10 AM–12 PM and Saturday, April 26, Temescal Canyon Park, 9 AM–12 PM
Start in the canyon or start in the south bay. Just start where you are!
Join Heal the Bay and partners for two BioBlitz events that turn exploration into action. From the sandy dunes of Manhattan Beach to the trails of Temescal Canyon, you’ll help document local wildlife, learn from experts, and support hands-on restoration efforts across LA.
Saturday, April 25 | Manhattan Beach Dunes (10 AM–12 PM)
Explore a rare coastal ecosystem, snap photos of native species, and see how your observations contribute to the ongoing restoration work of LA’s coast with Heal the Bay and the Bay Foundation.
Saturday, April 26 | Temescal Canyon Park (9 AM–12 PM)
Be part of a day of biodiversity tracking and restoration, in partnership with Resilient Palisades and TreePeople, honoring the lives impacted by the Palisades Fire and supporting the land’s recovery.
Shop. Support. Protect.
This Earth Month, rep Heal the Bay and shop reusable essentials that support a healthier coastline and sustainable future.
Heal the Bay Earth Month 2026 Tabling Calendar
Check out our list of Earth Month events hosted by some of our favorite social and environmental organizations across Los Angeles. Stop by Heal the Bay’s Outreach table while you’re enjoying Earth Month fun around Los Angeles County this April.
April 12, 9 am – 12 pm: Beaches and Harbors 2026 Kids Beach Cleanup
April 18, 10 am – 2 pm: South Bay Parkland Conservancy Earth Day 2026
April 19: Resilient Palisades, Palisades Village Green
April 21, 9 am – 3 pm: CSUDH Sustainability 19th Annual Earth Day
April 23, 11:15 am – 12:45 pm: Eco Action Club at SMC Earth Week
April 25, 6 pm – 10 pm: Ayana Johnson What If We Get It Right? Book Release at The La Brea Tar Pits
May 1 – 3, 10 am – 8 pm: Beachlife Festival, Redondo Beach
May 2, 8 am – 1 pm: Culver City Envirofest
Heal the Bay was founded on a simple truth: one person can make a difference. Dorothy Green proved that 40 years ago when she took a stand for our ocean and sparked a movement that continues today.
This Earth Month, you can double YOUR impact! Sunny Within is matching all gifts up to $2,500 given on or before April 19, 2026, to help you start where you are.
Give what you can. Make TWICE the impact for lasting change.
Thank you to our sponsors for supporting Heal the Bay this Earth Month!
Thank you to our Earth Month Clean Up media partner.
The 2025 legislative session was a tough one for California’s environmental advocates. Against the backdrop of devastating wildfires, raids impacting California’s immigrant communities, severe budget constraints across the state, and federal rollbacks that weakened environmental protections, many of our state’s most important environmental bills faced uphill battles as legislators were forced to reshuffle their priorities. Still, amid the challenges, we saw meaningful wins for ocean health and waste reduction. And we’re hopeful that a number of bills still in the pipeline will pass next year.
Below is a breakdown of the environmental legislation we’ve been tracking this year and where it stands as we head into 2026.
Major Wins for Our Environment
AB 1056 — Phasing Out Gillnets for Good
We’re thrilled to share a major victory for ocean conservation, and one that Heal the Bay has proudly supported every step of the way through support letters and direct lobbying on California Ocean Day in Sacramento. Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 1056 into law, which will phase out the last remaining set gillnets in California.
Set gillnets are mile-long nets anchored to the ocean floor that often entangle high numbers of marine wildlife. This destructive gear dates back to 1915, so this victory has been a long time coming. Congratulations to our friends at Oceana, Resource Renewal Institute, and the Office of Assembly Member Steve Bennett who sponsored and championed this milestone legislation. Read the press release here.
SB 279 — Scaling Up Composting Statewide
Another bright spot this session was the passage of SB 279, which takes a major step toward building California’s circular economy by expanding access to composting programs across the state. Composting not only curbs greenhouse gases but also enriches soils, conserves water, supports local agriculture, and helps reduce pollution by making it even easier to use and dispose of compostable products, making this a win for both people and planet. This law strengthens California’s ability to divert organic waste from landfills, reducing methane emissions and helping cities and counties meet their climate goals.
Missed Opportunities
AB 823 — Expanding the Microbead Ban
We were deeply disappointed to see AB 823, vetoed by Governor Newsom. This bipartisan bill that passed both the Assembly and Senate would have expanded California’s existing microbead ban to include cosmetics, further protecting our waterways from harmful microplastics. The governor’s veto cited procedural concerns, but this decision undermines years of progress toward a plastic-free future.
This was an important measure to stop microplastics at the source. Heal the Bay will continue to push for stronger action on this front next year.
SB 45 — Tethered Caps on Bottles
SB 45 would have required tethered caps on beverage bottles, preventing loose plastic caps from polluting our beaches and waterways. This solution already exists in other parts of the globe, with producers adopting the tethered cap design. Unfortunately, the bill died earlier this spring. But it won’t stop our continued advocacy for targeted solutions and bigger, more comprehensive plastic-reduction policies that keep plastics out of our environment.
Bills Still in the Pipeline
Several promising bills didn’t cross the finish line this year but will return for consideration in 2026. We’ll be leveraging our advocacy efforts next year to ensure these proposals around pollution prevention, water justice, and waste reduction don’t stall out for good.
AB 762: Proposes a ban on disposable vapes to protect public health and reduce e-waste.
SB 561: Would create a manufacturer responsibility program for safely managing the disposal of unused emergency distress flares — explosives that poses serious safety risks.
SB 501: Would establish a producer responsibility program for household hazardous waste and require producers of that waste to provide a convenient collection and disposal system.
SB 350: Introduces the creation of a statewide water rate assistance program to ensure access to affordable, clean water.
SB 601: Would reaffirm California’s Clean Water Act protections following federal rollbacks.
AB 638: Was authored to provide state guidance for safely using stormwater as a non-potable water source.
Looking Ahead
Despite the challenges of this legislative season, our commitment to protecting our coast and communities remains as strong as ever. Every session brings new opportunities to advance policies that protect biodiversity, reduce pollution, safeguard clean water, and build a more sustainable Los Angeles.
We’ll continue advocating alongside our partners and community members to advance these bills that are still in the pipeline and ensure that California remains a global leader in ocean conservation and climate action.
Stay tuned for action alerts, local advocacy opportunities, and ways to raise your voice for clean water and healthy ecosystems.
Summer is officially here – the peak season for swimming outdoors. Heal the Bay releases its annual scientific report on bacterial-pollution rankings for hundreds of beaches in California.
For more than 30 years, Heal the Bay has assigned annual “A-to-F” letter grades for 700 beaches from Washington State to Tijuana, Mexico, including 500 California beaches in the 2024-2025 report, based on levels of fecal-indicator bacterial pollution in the ocean measured by County health agencies. The public can check out the updated water quality of their local ocean beaches at beachreportcard.org or by downloading the app on their smartphone.
BEACH BUMMER LIST
Heal the Bay’s Beach Bummer List ranks the most polluted beaches in California based on levels of harmful bacteria in the ocean.
BEACH HONOR ROLL LIST
This year, 62 out of over 500 monitored beaches in California earned a spot on the Honor Roll, a significant improvement from just 12 beaches last year and only two in 2022–2023. This return to a higher Honor Roll count reflects levels more consistent with the reporting five
years ago. The increase in beaches on the Honor Roll this year is likely attributed to less overall rainfall during the 2024–2025 winter season, leading to substantially improved overall coastal water quality.
See the full 2024-2025 Honor Roll (62 Beaches)
Watch the LIVE Press Conference
TIPS TO STAY SAFE AT OCEAN AND FRESHWATER AREAS
- View beachreportcard.org and healthebay.org/riverreportcard for the latest water quality information.
- Avoid shallow, enclosed beaches with poor water circulation.
- Swim at least 100 yards away from flowing storm drains, creeks, and piers.
- Stay out of the water for at least 72-hours after a rain event.
- Follow all local health and safety regulations, including all local pandemic-related regulations.
- Check in with the lifeguard or ranger on duty for more information about the best places to swim.
- Stay in the know! This year, the annual reports received state and national coverage – appearing in the New York Times, LA Times, and Associated Press.
ACCESS TO WATER RECREATION
The COVID-19 pandemic, record-setting wildfire seasons, and extreme heat have compounded the already dire need for equity in our recreational waters, and exposed major systemic failures; open spaces, including beaches and rivers, are not equally accessible to all people. Low-income communities of color tend to be the most burdened communities, bearing the brunt of environmental pollution, socioeconomic disparities, and limited access to safe, healthy, and clean water recreation. Heal the Bay is committed to expanding the user base of our Beach Report Card and River Report Card. We have started by working with local community-based organizations that are taking down barriers to water recreation for communities of color. Through this work, we will amplify what “safe, healthy, and clean access to water recreation” means in the communities where it is needed the most.
WATCH THE FULL 2024- 2025 PRESS CONFERENCE
About Heal the Bay: Heal the Bay is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded in 1985. They use science, education, community action, and advocacy to fulfill their mission to protect coastal waters and watersheds in Southern California with a particular focus on public health, climate change, biodiversity, and environmental justice. Heal the Bay Aquarium, located at the Santa Monica Pier, welcomes 100,000 guests annually and hosts a variety of public programs and events that highlight local environmental issues and solutions. Learn more at healthebay.org and follow @healthebay on social media or watch this short video.
The Beach Report Card Heal with NowCast, in partnership with SIMA Environmental Fund, and SONY Pictures Entertainment, is Heal the Bay’s flagship scientific water quality monitoring program that started in the 1990s. For more than thirty years, the Beach Report Card has influenced the improvement of water quality by increasing monitoring efforts and helping to enact strong environmental and public health policies. Learn more at beachreportcard.org and download the free app on Apple and Android devices. The Beach Report Card is made possible through generous support from SIMA Environmental Fund and SONY Pictures Entertainment.
About River Report Card: Currently, there is no statewide water quality monitoring mandate for rivers and streams in California, like exists for the ocean as a result of the Beach Report Card. Heal the Bay started the River Report Card in 2017 to push for new public health protections for freshwater areas in addition to serving the immediate need for increased public awareness about the risks at popular freshwater recreation areas in Los Angeles County. Learn more at healthebay.org/riverreportcard. The River Report Card is supported by Environment Now.
Download Press Release in English
Celebrate Earth Month with Heal the Bay!
Fun, inspiring activations are happening all month for everyone – individuals, families, schools, and more! Grab your reusable water bottle, sunscreen, and friends for climate action fun near you!
Heal the Bay Earth Month 2025 Calendar of Special Events
SCROLL DOWN TO SEE THE FULL LIST OF EVENTS and get involved this Earth Month with events and activities from Heal the Bay and our partners! 👇👇👇
Black Sands, A Beach Talk Series- FREE
Monday, April 21, 7 PM – Virtual
Join us for Black Sands, a special virtual installment of Heal the Bay’s on-the-sand Beach Talk series
We welcome ALL who want to connect, learn, and share.
This roundtable will blend thoughtful dialogue with community-building, exploring topics like Black identity in outdoor and marine spaces, coastal resilience, climate justice, wellness, and environmental stewardship. Whether you’re a longtime advocate, a curious learner, or someone simply seeking space to exhale, Black Sands is for you.
Changing Tides: Fires, Blooms & A Warming Coast (Panel)
Wednesday, April 23, 5 PM – Virtual
Heal the Bay BioBlitz: 2025 L.A. City Nature Challenge – FREE
Sunday, April 27, 10 AM – 12 PM @ Ballona Discovery Park OR Gardena Willows Wetland Preserve
Join Heal the Bay’s Safe, Clean Water Program (SCWP) for the 2025 LA City Nature Challenge BioBlitz, a global event that started as a friendly competition between Los Angeles and San Francisco and has since grown into a worldwide movement!
A BioBlitz is a fun, hands-on community science event where we’ll work together to document local wildlife. By snapping photos of wild plants and animals, you’ll contribute valuable data to a global biodiversity database to help scientists better understand our urban environment. No experience needed! Just bring your curiosity and a smartphone.
We’re offering two BioBlitz locations this year, and both are happening simultaneously, so please choose only one.
WHERE: Gardena Willows Wetland Preserve (1202 W 170th Street; Gardena, CA 90247) OR Ballona Discovery Park (13110 Bluff Creek Dr; Los Angeles, CA 90094)
Gathering at Kuruvungna – FREE
Saturday, May 3, 10 am – 2 pm @ Kuruvungna Village Springs and Cultural Center
Heal the Bay is joining the Gabrielino Tongva Springs Foundation in honoring and celebrating the past, present, and future of the Kuruvungna Village Springs and Cultural Center. This family-friendly gathering will feature live music, garden tours, art, vendors, food, and workshops.
We’re Looking For Our 2025 Coastal Clean Up Day Poster Artist!
Calling all ocean-loving artists! Let your artwork advocate for our ocean this Coastal Cleanup Day!
Win $500 and see your artwork all over Los Angeles County on the official Heal the Bay Coastal Cleanup Day poster!
Submit a portfolio of your work and a concept for a poster that captures the essence of our theme: “Rebuild With Resilience.”
How do you envision the future of LA? What changes do you hope to see in your community? How can we build a climate-resilient future? Express your vision through original artwork inspired by this theme!
Submissions are accepted until May 31st, 2025. See full details and application here!
Gear Up for Earth Day with Heal the Bay
Level up your drip while leveling up the ocean!
Rep Heal the Bay, discover unique gifts, and shop reusable goods, all for a great cause!
Heal the Bay Earth Month 2025 Tabling Calendar
Check out our list of Earth Month events hosted by some of our favorite social, environmental, and partner organizations across Los Angeles. Stop by Heal the Bay’s Outreach table while you’re enjoying Earth Month fun around Los Angeles County this April.
Pepperdine’s University’s Annual Earth Day Celebration @ Pepperdine University, April 1, 11 am – 2 pm
2nd Annual Cleanup @ Discovery Cube Los Angeles, April 12, 9 am – 12 pm
City of STEM + Maker Faire @ Exposition Park Los Angeles, April 12, 9 am – 4 pm
Wild for the Planet @ The LA Zoo, April 18 – 20, 10 am – 4 pm
Annual Earth Day Event @ South Bay Parkland Conservancy, April 19, 10 am – 1 pm
CSUDH’s 18th Annual Earth Day Celebration @ Cal State University, Dominguez Hills, April 22, 9 am – 2:30 pm
City of Santa Monica Earth Day Celebration: Our Power, Our Planet @ Main Library, 601 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401, April 22, 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM
The 2025 Arts & Literacy Festival at Virginia Avenue Park @ City of Santa Monica’s Virginia Avenue Park, Santa Monica Public Library, Santa Monica Malibu Unified School District-Child Development Services, and Venice Family Clinic, April 26, 10 am – 2 pm
Beverly Hills’ 22nd Annual Earth Day, 9300 Civic Center Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210, April 27, 9 am – 1 pm
City of Manhattan Beach Earth Day, April 29, 11 am – 3 pm
Culver City Enviro-Fest, May 3, 9 am – 1 pm
Make waves for a sustainable future in Greater Los Angeles by making your Earth Month donation to Heal the Bay.
Heal the Bay strongly disagrees with the selection of State land in close proximity to Topanga Creek and Lagoon as the US EPA’s Palisades Fire hazardous material staging area, where materials will be sorted and repackaged before they are sent to permitted waste collection facilities. The site chosen is an area of cultural and ecological significance, and we stand with the surfers, swimmers, and local communities concerned about the potential for harm to this precious ecosystem.
UPDATE: January 31, 2025 – Initial Takeaways from the EPA Hazardous Waste Site at Topanga Beach & FAQ (below)
For the record, Heal the Bay was NOT consulted on the site selection ahead of time.
Soon after we learned about the site selection, we asked to meet with US EPA officials to express our concerns and learn what measures were being taken to protect Topanga Creek and Lagoon. That meeting occurred on Thursday, January 30, 2025, at 4:30 p.m.
At our meeting with EPA, we learned that operations have already begun on the Topanga site, reducing the likelihood that we can get EPA & FEMA to select a different location (although we still pushed). Between the Palisades and Eaton fires, this is the largest operation the EPA emergency response team has had to clean up since they began this work in 2015. In addition, they have been tasked by the current Federal Administration to complete the work in 30 days, a time constraint that has left the region with few options.
We are fighting to ensure that the EPA implements sufficient measures to prevent contaminants from coming into contact with the bare soils or leaving the site and impacting critical waterways. In addition to what the EPA has proposed (see EPA’s FAQ), Heal the Bay asks for water testing in Topanga Creek and Lagoon. We have also asked to be permitted access to the site to observe operations and the implementation of measures meant to prevent harmful chemicals from leaving the site. We are waiting to hear back on both of these.
Although we strongly disagree with the site EPA and FEMA have chosen, speedy removal of hazardous wastes from the burn areas IS ESSENTIAL. Right now, the hazardous waste in the burn areas is uncontained and exposed to the elements, with almost no measures in place to prevent it from being blown by the wind or entering our ocean when it rains again. There are no good choices here, but in our opinion, hazardous materials left exposed at burned structures pose a greater threat to water quality and ecosystem health than they will at an EPA sorting site where multiple containment measures are in place. If the EPA will not or cannot move the hazardous waste staging area from the Topanga location, we demand that they take extra precautions to prevent stormwater from running onto the site, contaminated runoff from leaving the site, and contaminated dust from being blown from the site into waterways. Please join us in asking for water quality sampling to be added to the BMP protocol.
Here are the biggest takeaways from our meeting with the EPA:
What does the EPA look for in a staging site?
- When looking for a hazardous material staging site, the EPA team needs at least five acres of flat land located near a roadway suitable for trucks to enter and exit.
- The EPA could not start cleaning efforts until a space was selected and prepared.
Why was Topanga Lagoon chosen as the site location?
- EPA did recon with Cal Fire, and the Topanga Lagoon site met the basic logistical requirements for space and access. The state approved EPA use of the Topanga location.
- According to the EPA, other proposed sites were either rejected by City of LA and LA County officials or already used by other emergency response teams.
- Heal the Bay has requested a list of other sites considered by the EPA.
Will additional locations be needed to remove all of the hazardous waste entirely?
- For the Palisades Fire response, EPA anticipates the need for more staging areas, maybe an additional 25 acres.
- The EPA is currently searching for other staging areas, and Heal the Bay has requested to be part of that decision-making process.
What has taken place on the site to date?
- The property was burned, so EPA cleared it of burned debris, then built berms around it and added straw wattles to prevent water from entering or leaving the site.
- Secondary containment and plastic lining have been implemented to prevent direct contact of hazardous materials with the soils on site.
- The EPA took soil samples before the cleanup activity commenced and will sample again once the cleanup activity is complete. (NOTE: Heal the Bay has requested a list of contaminants tested to ensure the sampling plan is sufficient).
- The cleanup team monitors the air for particulates, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), radiation, and wind indicators for weather tracking.
- The cleanup team has started electric car battery recovery for the Palisades area, de-energizing them in the Topanga staging area to be recycled.
What safety precautions will EPA take to protect the environment?
- See EPA FAQ
- Heal the Bay asked about additional BMPs (Best Management Practices) for the expected rain. EPA Public Information Officer Rusty Harris-Bishop has agreed to update us as more information becomes available.
- Heal the Bay has also requested that the EPA conduct water quality monitoring in the nearby creek and Lagoon.
- The EPA has explained that they have not had any issues with staging areas in past emergencies, including the Lahaina fires.
When will they start accepting hazardous waste?
- As of January 30, they have already started collecting lithium-ion batteries (from electric cars).
- Larger-scale work is scheduled to begin January 31, 2025.
When will they be done?
- This is a temporary staging area, and although the Palisades Fire was an unprecedented event, the plan is for the site work to be completed by the end of February 2025 (30 days).
Where will the hazardous waste be sent?
- Materials are taken to the staging area to sort and re-pack for final shipping to permitted hazardous waste facilities that are in good standing.
- The facilities have not been determined yet.
- Determining specific locations will depend on what the EPA team finds and how much material is collected. Still, our understanding is that the waste will likely be transported out of state.
Can EPA move the staging to another location?
- Attempting to move locations would cause delays in removing the hazardous waste from within the burn zone where it is currently exposed to the elements, which is the biggest concern.
What is more dangerous to the environment: Creating the staging area near an ecologically sensitive area or slowing removal?
- Slowing down removal is likely more dangerous for the environment because there are few measures to prevent the waste in the burn areas from entering waterways and the ocean.
Is the EPA planning to test the water quality?
- No water quality testing is planned.
Does Heal the Bay have water quality testing recommendations?
- Yes, our Water Quality Team recommends that the EPA test for the following:
- Chronic and Acute Toxicity
- Basic water quality parameters (e.g., turbidity, pH, dissolved Oxygen, and temperature)
- Total Suspended Solids
- Heavy Metals (e.g., lead, arsenic, mercury, chromium and cadmium)
- Volatile organic compounds (e.g., Benzene)
- Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)
- Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
- Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)
- Oil and Grease
- Total Organic Carbon
- FIB (i.e., E. coli, total coliforms, and enterococcus)
- Dioxins
- Ammonium
- Phosphates
- Sulfates
- Asbestos
- Microplastics
- Radionuclides
Has the EPA started a cleanup operation in response to the Eaton Fire?
- They have started cleanup operations in Eaton.
Will Heal the Bay continue to monitor the situation at Topanga Lagoon?
- Yes, and Heal the Bay will continue to push for the opportunity to conduct a site visit in the coming days to observe the BMPs in action.
Reimagining the Ocean and Protecting the Planet with Heal the Bay’s Aquaculture Program
Pollution, climate change, and over-fishing have all played a role in the dramatic decline of marine life in our oceans, contributing to food scarcity and poverty in coastal communities across the globe that rely on fishing for food and their local economy.
And while organizations like Heal the Bay work to address the causes of the decline, we also have another tool in our toolbelt. Aquaculture is the controlled growing of aquatic organisms and can be used for sustainable food production, habitat restoration, and species conservation.
At Heal the Bay, we are taking a groundbreaking step in reimagining the modern aquarium. We are working to become the nation’s first fully sustainable aquarium by exclusively exhibiting animals that have been produced through aquaculture.
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- Heal the Bay is currently culturing swell sharks, moon jellies, giant spine stars, Pacific sand dollars, and brand new baby pipefish.
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- The AquaLab at Heal the Bay Aquarium give the public a chance to learn about our work.
By sourcing our exhibits through aquaculture, we reduce the environmental impact of traditional collection methods, support marine ecosystem restoration, and contribute to the conservation of endangered species—making our aquarium a model of sustainability in the field.
But we aren’t stopping there! We are also helping develop the so-called “blue economy” by mobilizing local students to steward this paradigm shift through our Aquaculture Training Program in partnership with Santa Monica College. Heal the Bay experts, in partnership with SMC, have developed a program to ensure the next generation of aquaculture professionals is equipped to responsibly, sustainably, and ethically grow aquatic species. Our aquarium serves as a hands-on training facility, providing students with real-world experience in sustainable aquaculture practices in our AQUA lab, and our Associate Director of Aquarium Operations, Laura Rink, serves as an instructor for the class.
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- The Students from Santa Monica College recieve hands-on education from Heal the Bay expert aquarists.
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- Our fertile lobster eggs are thriving as Heal the Bay attempts to be the first aquaculture program to successfully settle this species of Spiny Lobster.
And our moonshot for Heal the Bay’s aquaculture program is to raise and release local endangered species back into Santa Monica Bay to restore balance in our marine ecosystem. One species we are focused on is the Sunflower Sea Star which plays a critical role in the health of our giant kelp forests, like the one off the coast of Palos Verdes. Sunflower Sea Stars eat urchins which eat kelp. A severe decline in sea star populations has led to a proliferation of urchins which are devastating kelp forests across the west coast of the U.S. Currently, Heal the Bay’s aquaculture research also contributes to endangered species recovery through our role in the Sunflower Sea Star SAFE (Saving Animals From Extinction) initiative.
The sunflower sea star is critically endangered, but Heal the Bay Aquarium is licensed to care for one, allowing us to educate the public about this vital species and the importance of its conservation.
Looking ahead, Heal the Bay envisions expanding our impact by creating a dedicated aquaculture education and research facility. With increased funding, we aim to build a state-of-the-art space that supports both hands-on learning for students and innovative research in marine conservation and sustainability. This facility would help foster the next generation of aquaculture professionals while contributing to global efforts to restore marine ecosystems.
Help Heal the Bay reimagine the ocean and protect the planet when you support our work and DONATE!
Want to support our work for years to come? There is still time to make your big impact for Heal the Bay with Year End Giving. Give a gift for good to protect our precious watershed and help keep our coastal waters safe and clean all year round. Whether it be Corporate and Foundation Giving, Partnerships, Stock Donations, Donor Advised Funds, Estate Plans, Donations and Sponsorship Opportunities, you can make a lasting impact with your year-end contribution today. Contact Us.
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Reflecting on a Year of Progress
Heal the Bay achieved significant accomplishments in 2024 in safeguarding our waters, preserving biodiversity, and raising awareness about the importance of environmental conservation. Through our collective efforts and with your unwavering support, we worked tirelessly to create cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable coastal waters and watersheds for Los Angeles and beyond from summit to sea. As we reflect on the achievements of this past year, we are thrilled to carry this momentum into the coming year, always aiming to make a lasting difference. Celebrate them with us!
2024 Highlights
Our expertise was sought after, and our work was celebrated.
In 2024, Heal the Bay was honored for decades of commitment to the environment.
- Heal the Bay was selected as a 2024 California Nonprofit of the Year by Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin of District 42 in recognition of nearly four decades of accomplishments and “outstanding contributions to the communities and environment” we serve.
- The 4th Annual Heal the Bay One Water symposium was convened at Lewis Macadams Riverfront Park, establishing Heal the Bay as a thought leader among civil engineers, water conservation experts, and local, county, and state legislators.
- Heal the Bay continued its work on the LA28 Environmental Sustainability Committee for the 2028 Summer Olympics to ensure the games are the most sustainable yet and leave a legacy of environmental stewardship in the region.
- Heal the Bay Aquarium was voted Santa Monica’s Most Loved Sustainable Green Business of 2024 by thousands of Angelenos.
The First Line of Defense in Environmental Policy
Heal the Bay played a pivotal role in successfully advancing policies and legislation to improve water quality, affordability, and coastal ecosystems and ensure a more sustainable Los Angeles region and climate-resilient California.
- In response to advocacy from Heal the Bay, the LA Regional Board recently approved more stringent regulation of surface water runoff from the highly contaminated Boeing Santa Susana Field Lab site. Boeing immediately filed a legal petition opposing the new regulations. Heal the Bay is engaging in this lawsuit as an interested party in support of the Regional Board.
Big trouble for Big Plastic
Recognizing the urgent need to combat plastic pollution, Heal the Bay continues impactful environmental policy work and campaigns to amplify sustainable practices. For several years, staff has worked with LA City and County to help create legislation to break the harmful plastic cycle. We took significant steps toward a plastic-free future by advocating for reducing single-use plastics and promoting responsible waste management.
- We sued Big Plastic! Heal the Bay took historic legal action and joined a coalition of leading environmental groups to file a lawsuit against ExxonMobil, the world’s largest producer of single-use plastic polymers. California’s Attorney General also filed a similar lawsuit today.
- In 2024, Heal the Bay made big waves for the environment by advocating for the unanimous approval of the Environmental Impact Report for the City of LA’s Comprehensive Plastics Reduction Program. This means that in the next 6 months, we could have powerful new legislation in the City of LA to really reduce plastics, and Heal the Bay will be right there alongside key decision-makers to ensure success.
It Takes a Very Large Village
This year Heal the Bay volunteers made massive waves of change.
- In 2024, more than 24,900 Heal the Bay volunteers collected over 24,000 pounds of trash and contributed 71,048 hours to protecting our precious watershed and coastal waters!
- In September, Heal the Bay mobilized 6,600 volunteers on Coastal Cleanup Day, removing 18,269 pounds of trash (including 429 pounds of recyclables) from greater Los Angeles coastlines and waterways.
- This year Heal the Bay Aquarium welcomed 59 new volunteers, and a total of 128 volunteers completed and served 5,494 hours at the Aquarium.
Environmental Health IS Public Health
In 2024, Heal the Bay continued its relentless commitment to ocean water and freshwater quality from summit to sea.
- Our annual Beach Report Card remains the gold standard for water quality reporting, providing access to the latest water quality information based on levels of fecal-indicator bacterial pollution in the ocean at over 700 beaches. For more than 30 years, our annual report has assigned “A-to-F” letter grades and ranked the “Best and Bummer” lists across beaches from Washington State to Tijuana, Mexico.
- The annual River Report Card was also released, ranking freshwater quality and providing grades for 35 freshwater recreation areas in Los Angeles County tested during the summer of 2023. This summer 14 students from colleges across Southern California joined Heal the Bay the Stream Team internship program – our biggest cohort yet! These two programs are at the forefront of our efforts to keep LA’s waters safe and enjoyable for all.
Conservation and Marine Protection Are Key to Our Mission
Heal the Bay reaffirmed its commitment to biodiversity through both volunteer activations and the tireless efforts of our husbandry, operations, and education Aquarium teams.
- Heal the Bay Aquarium plays a pivotal role in species conservation through research, breeding programs, and public awareness campaigns. In 2024, four Swell sharks, dozens of Pacific Sandollars, Giant Spine Sea Stars, Bay Pipefish, and hundreds of Moon jellies were born at the aquarium. Our animal care team released seven protected and rehabilitated marine animals, including keystone species like Swell sharks and Leopard sharks, into Santa Monica Bay. By releasing these animals back into the wild, Heal the Bay continues its mission to protect and support the biodiversity of wild fish populations.
- As part of our commitment to successful conservation efforts, Heal the Bay Aquarium continued its work with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Wildlife Trafficking Alliance. As an official member of the US Fish & Wildlife Department’s Wildlife Confiscation Network pilot program, the aquarium is certified to care for the well-being of wildlife confiscated from illegal trade.
- Heal the Bay’s Science and Policy Team successfully lead public meetings to educate Californian’s on the impacts of DDT on public health and biodiversity.
- As a watchdog for Marine Protected Areas, Heal the Bay’s MPA Team is actively contributing and analyzing critical data on California’s first decade-long review that began in 2023. One of the biggest conclusions of the review highlighted the fact that protecting these precious estuaries for the past decade has worked, allowing for flourishing biodiversity, larger populations, and bigger individual animals in these safeguarded areas.
Environmental Equity and Inclusion are pillars of Environmental Health
This year, Heal the Bay continued to advocate for communities that experience the worst systemic and often immediate impacts of environmental injustice and climate change.
- After 10 years of effort by Heal the Bay Outreach, Inell Woods Park, a first-of-its-kind stormwater park, is complete in the Compton Creek watershed. This pocket park will provide green space to an underserved community. The ribbon cutting is estimated for early 2025, highlighting the connection between communities, green space, and health.
- The Heal the Bay Science and Policy Team hosted the Sacred Places Institute for Indigenous Peoples for a day of hands-on water quality testing and knowledge sharing. By blending scientific methods with Indigenous traditions, we gained deeper insights into LA’s freshwater systems and the cultural significance of water.
Environmental Education, Outreach and Sharing our Passion to Protect What We Love
Education remained a cornerstone of our mission. In 2024, Heal the Bay expanded our outreach program, teaching schools and communities to understand the importance of environmental conservation and the role each individual can play.
- Educational efforts continued to inspire and inform diverse audiences through innovative approaches and interactive science-based programs. The Heal the Bay Aquarium Education Team sponsored 247 field trips and welcomed 11,668 enthusiastic students from 22 school districts in LA County, including 85 students from Title 1 schools.
- This year, “Coastal Cleanup Education Day” at the Aquarium hosted more than 118 3rd-6th grade students from across Los Angeles County for a day of beach exploration, scientific excursions, education, and hands-on learning while having fun in the sun.
- Speakers Bureau and Beach Programs (through the Adopt a Beach Program) gave 195 talks this year to educate the public on all Heal the Bay’s amazing and impactful work.
Cheers to 2024
As we look back on 2024, Heal the Bay celebrates a year of accomplishments, resilience, and collaboration. These achievements underscore the collective efforts of our dedicated team, volunteers, and supporters who positively impact the health of our oceans and coastal ecosystems.
Here’s to a future with even more significant strides toward a sustainable and thriving planet!
Looking to the Future with 2025 in our sights
In 2025, Heal the Bay will celebrate its 40th Anniversary, marking four decades of dedicated environmental work. Since its founding, the organization has been a powerful advocate for clean water, coastal protection, and environmental justice across California. Through education, outreach, and policy efforts, Heal the Bay has significantly improved local ecosystems, making beaches, rivers, and communities safer and healthier. The organization remains committed to addressing climate change, promoting sustainability, and protecting the region’s natural beauty for future generations.
Thank you to all our supporters, both past and present.
Thank you for all our supporters both past and present.
Want to support our work for years to come? There is still time to make your big impact for Heal the Bay with Year End Giving. Give a gift for good to protect our precious watershed and help keep our coastal waters safe and clean all year round. Whether it be Corporate and Foundation Giving, Partnerships, Stock Donations, Donor Advised Funds, Estate Plans, Donations and Sponsorship Opportunities, you can make a lasting impact with your year-end contribution today. Contact Us.
🎟️ BE ONE OF THE FIRST 400 TO SIGN UP — YOU COULD WIN FESTIVAL PASSES!
Coastal Cleanup Day is Sept. 19!
Join thousands of Angelenos at 60+ cleanup sites across L.A. County, from beaches and the L.A. River to parks, neighborhoods & kayak cleanups.
The first 400 registrants will be entered to win 1 of 2 passes for the OceanWay music festival in Santa Monica, CA!