Research and Conservation
What is the Nature Center at Madrona Marsh?
The Madrona Marsh Nature Center is found across from the Preserve at 3201 Plaza del Amo in Torrance, California.
The Nature Center offers age-appropriate recreational and educational programs to the public, such as docent-led classes, classroom laboratories, special lectures or events, and exhibits that educate the public about this unique habitat.
At the Nature Center, you can discover more about Madrona Marsh, other wetlands, and the animals, plants, and insects of the marsh, and how they all work together. The Nature Center houses several live animal exhibits, including snakes, turtles, and other animals, on a rotating basis. Our Exhibit Hall, shaded atrium displays, and “Walk through Time” murals tell the history and transformations of the region from prehistoric times to the present day. Look for our hands-on plant, insect, and animal displays throughout the Nature Center. Art exhibits by local artists are proudly displayed in a dedicated area.
Worthy of special note is our large mural in the classroom. Award-winning artist and volunteer Estelle DeRidder leads this ongoing collaborative project. The mural is designed to “bring the outside in” and depicts the intricate interdependence of all the plant, insect, and animal life that call Madrona Marsh home. We welcome public discussion on how we can make the mural a better project.
The Metropolitan Water District provided funding to surround three sides of the Nature Center building with a waterwise Native Garden that offers myriad ideas to gardeners exploring the use of locally native plants instead of traditional turf and shrubs.
The 8,000-square-foot Nature Center includes a reception area, exhibit hall, classroom, project lab, curation lab, restrooms, gift shop, staff offices, administrative area, volunteer room, and storage rooms. The Center is handicap-accessible and has a large parking area and a small picnic area. Mature native California Sycamore trees shade all the grass lawns.
The Nature Center opened on Saturday, April 28, 2001, and a community’s dream came to fruition – thirty years after grassroots efforts first started to create the Preserve. Project planning for what is now known as Madrona Marsh began in 1984, and the groundbreaking ceremony was held in November 1999. The architecture firm Bryant Palmer Soto designed the Nature Center.
The $1.8 million project, including $200,000 for exhibits, was a joint venture of the Friends of the Madrona Marsh and the City of Torrance, funded by Proposition A, which passed in 1996, and the Los Angeles County Safe Neighborhood Parks Acts of 1992. An additional $95,000 from the Parks and Recreation Department paid for the cost of furniture, supplies, and equipment.
Upcoming Events
Events
Calendar of Events
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Friday Fun is a hands-on program for preschoolers, age 3-6, and their parents or guardians. The program is offered at no charge every Friday. The program will incorporate story time, …
Free
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2 events,
Online registration is required. Complete and submit the new SHORT-TERM volunteer form from the City of Torrance. Open to ages 10 and up. Volunteers support habitat restoration by removing non-native … 
This docent-led walk around the Preserve is great for families and individuals looking for an introduction to the plants and wildlife commonly found at the Madrona Marsh and around the …
Free
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Nature Story Time is a hands-on program for preschoolers, ages 2-5 years. Explore the wonders of Madrona Marsh through engaging stories and educational learning activities. Each program is intended …
Free
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1 event,
Friday Fun is a hands-on program for preschoolers, age 3-6, and their parents or guardians. The program is offered at no charge every Friday. The program will incorporate story time, …
Free
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4 events,
Open to ages 10 and up. Volunteers support habitat restoration by removing non-native plants, clearing vegetation, and planting native species to improve conditions for local wildlife such as birds, butterflies, …
This docent-led walk around the Preserve is great for families and individuals looking for an introduction to the plants and wildlife commonly found at the Madrona Marsh and around the …
Free
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Everyone wants a beautiful garden, but it’s particularly rewarding to also have a garden that is full of life. The South Bay Parkland Conservancy will show you what Southern California …
Free
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1 event,
Friday Fun is a hands-on program for preschoolers, age 3-6, and their parents or guardians. The program is offered at no charge every Friday. The program will incorporate story time, …
Free
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4 events,
Open to ages 10 and up. Volunteers support habitat restoration by removing non-native plants, clearing vegetation, and planting native species to improve conditions for local wildlife such as birds, butterflies, … 
Join our docent-led walk around the Henrietta Basin on the 3rd Saturday of every month and learn about the City’s Stormwater Enhancement Program. Observe birds and other wildlife living in …
This docent-led walk around the Preserve is great for families and individuals looking for an introduction to the plants and wildlife commonly found at the Madrona Marsh and around the …
Free
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0 events,
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0 events,
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1 event,
Friday Fun is a hands-on program for preschoolers, age 3-6, and their parents or guardians. The program is offered at no charge every Friday. The program will incorporate story time, …
Free
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5 events,
Open to ages 10 and up. Volunteers support habitat restoration by removing non-native plants, clearing vegetation, and planting native species to improve conditions for local wildlife such as birds, butterflies, … 
Join docents from the Palos Verdes/South Bay Audubon Society for a walk around the Madrona Marsh Preserve, where you’ll begin to identify common birds along with their calls and interactions. …
This docent-led walk around the Preserve is great for families and individuals looking for an introduction to the plants and wildlife commonly found at the Madrona Marsh and around the …
Free
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0 events,
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0 events,
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0 events,
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1 event,
Friday Fun is a hands-on program for preschoolers, age 3-6, and their parents or guardians. The program is offered at no charge every Friday. The program will incorporate story time, …
Free
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2 events,
Open to ages 10 and up. Volunteers support habitat restoration by removing non-native plants, clearing vegetation, and planting native species to improve conditions for local wildlife such as birds, butterflies, …
This docent-led walk around the Preserve is great for families and individuals looking for an introduction to the plants and wildlife commonly found at the Madrona Marsh and around the …
Free
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