The Friends of Madrona Marsh Board of Directors invited the two candidates for Mayor of Torrance, Mayor George Chen and Councilmember Sharon Kalani, to visit the Marsh and Nature Center in advance of the upcoming elections. We asked each of them five questions to learn of their views on protecting the Marsh, supporting environmental education and the Nature Preserve, and promoting urban biodiversity, climate resilience, and community engagement.
1) Madrona Marsh is one of the last remaining vernal freshwater marshes in Los Angeles County. What specific steps would you take as mayor to ensure the long-term protection and ecological health of the Marsh?
CHEN: I will participate, observe, and promote events held at the Marsh when asked. I encourage people to enjoy the outdoors, to support conservation. We should try to keep the Preserve the way it was in its natural state. We need to help people get a better understanding of the marsh; for example, people may appreciate but not understand Yosemite. It’s important for me to be there in order to understand the the issues when the Marsh needs help. In particular, we should promote the Marsh on CityCable; promote its visibility in the City. The more visibility, the more people will be interested in the Marsh. Leave the Marsh natural.
KALANI: The Madrona Marsh Preserve and Nature Center is truly irreplaceable, and protecting it requires both vigilance and long-term planning. As Mayor, I would prioritize strong land-use protections, support science-based habitat management, and ensure we are actively addressing challenges like invasive species and water quality. I also believe in strengthening partnerships with environmental organizations and experts so that decisions are guided by the best available science. Preserving the Marsh isn’t just about today, it’s about ensuring future generations can experience and benefit from it.
2) Thousands of students and community members visit Madrona Marsh each year for environmental education programs. How would your administration support or expand partnerships that help connect residents, especially students, to local nature and conservation education?
CHEN: You should invite the Mayor and elected City officials to have boots on the ground. City support will encourage student interest; they need to see their civic leaders participating in clean ups, for example. Visions are caught, as opposed to taught, so promote the Preserve by inviting people to participate. Consider reaching out to scouts and inviting them to adopt the Marsh for service programs.
KALANI: Connecting young people to places like the Marsh has a lasting impact. My own daughter grew up visiting the Marsh, and today she is a health professional and wildlife veterinarian. That experience helped shape her path, and it’s a powerful reminder of how early exposure to nature can influence future careers and a lifelong commitment to conservation. As Mayor, I would work to expand partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and community groups to increase access to these programs. That includes supporting field trips, encouraging hands-on learning opportunities, and raising awareness so more families take advantage of what the Marsh offers. Investing in environmental education is really an investment in the future of our environment and our community.
3) What role do you believe the City should play in supporting the infrastructure, maintenance, and educational programs associated with Madrona Marsh and its Nature Center?
CHEN: The City should continue to fund what we have been providing. When bringing up new ideas, you must start with a clear vision of the future and then work backwards. “Sell” the Marsh’s features and benefits. You have to have something to point to and also keep in mind the value of a balanced budget. You cannot spend more than you have. You need to spend sensibly; operate more smartly and efficiently.
KALANI: The City has an important responsibility to ensure the Marsh and Nature Center are well- maintained and accessible. I support continued investment in core infrastructure and educational programming, while also being mindful of fiscal responsibility. We should actively pursue grants and partnerships to supplement City funding and maximize resources. By taking a balanced approach, we can maintain the quality of the facility and programs without overburdening taxpayers.
4) Urban natural areas like Madrona Marsh play an important role in biodiversity, stormwater management, and climate resilience. How would you integrate urban habitat conservation into Torrance’s broader environmental and climate planning?
CHEN: We need to concentrate on conservation of our natural resources. We need to look for opportunities to conserve and reduce waste unnecessarily. We need to encourage people to come up with new ways to conserve resources at home; everyday practices that will help the environment.
KALANI: The Marsh is a great example of how natural spaces can serve multiple purposes, supporting wildlife, improving environmental quality, and helping with stormwater management. As Mayor, I would ensure that protecting and enhancing urban habitats is part of our broader planning efforts. That includes supporting green infrastructure, improving water management practices, and preserving open space where possible. These efforts not only benefit the environment but also improve the quality of life for residents across Torrance.
5) Madrona Marsh thrives because of volunteers and community organizations. How would you encourage stronger collaboration between the City and volunteer groups that care for Torrance’s natural spaces?
CHEN: We should promote the Marsh more through media, especially social media and city cable. You could develop some kind of competition that promotes the Marsh and gets people more involved.
KALANI: The Marsh is as strong as the community that supports it. I would focus on strengthening collaboration by improving communication between the city and volunteer groups, recognizing the contributions of those who give their time, and creating more opportunities for residents to get involved. Whether it’s restoration projects, clean-up events, or educational programs, encouraging participation builds a sense of ownership and pride that helps sustain these spaces long-term.
We encourage everyone eligible to get out and vote on June 2!