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12 events found.

Madrona Marsh Nature Center

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Address
3201 Plaza Del Amo
Torrance, CA 90503 United States
Get Directions
Phone 310-782-3989

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 our exhibits are used to 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 pre-historic 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 on-going collaborative project. The mural is designed the “bring the outside in” and depicts the detailed interdependence of all the plant, insect, and animal life that call Madrona Marsh their home. We welcome discussion from the public 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 with a small area with picnic tables. All the grass lawns are shaded by mature native California Sycamore trees.

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. The project planning for what is now known as Madrona Marsh began in 1984 and the groundbreaking ceremony was in November 1999. The architecture firm Bryant Palmer Soto designed the Nature Center.

Events at this venue

Today
  • January 2026

  • Mon 26

    Closed – Preserve & Nature Center

    January 26 Preserve & Nature Center Closed
    Madrona Marsh Nature Center 3201 Plaza Del Amo, Torrance, CA, United States
  • Sun 25

    Closed – Preserve & Nature Center

    January 25 Preserve & Nature Center Closed
    Madrona Marsh Nature Center 3201 Plaza Del Amo, Torrance, CA, United States
  • Sat 24

    Star Party

    January 24 @ 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
    Madrona Marsh Nature Center 3201 Plaza Del Amo, Torrance, CA, United States

    Knowledgeable astronomers from the Riverside Astronomical Society will be on hand to give a fascinating lecture about what is visible in our night sky, followed by a viewing through telescopes ...

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    Free
  • Sat 24

    Annual Membership Meeting 🐸

    January 24 @ 12:30 pm - 3:00 pm
    Madrona Marsh Nature Center 3201 Plaza Del Amo, Torrance, CA, United States

    Come enjoy a light lunch with old friends and meet some new ones. Learn about what's happening on the Preserve from Elizabeth Evans, Naturalist/Manager. Be the first to read the ...

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    Free
  • Sat 24

    Nature Walk

    January 24 @ 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Nature Walk
    Madrona Marsh Nature Center 3201 Plaza Del Amo, Torrance, CA, United States

    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 ...

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    Free
  • Sat 24

    Bird Walk – PV/SB Audubon Society

    January 24 @ 9:00 am - 11:00 am Bird Walk – PV/SB Audubon Society
    Madrona Marsh Nature Center 3201 Plaza Del Amo, Torrance, CA, United States

    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. ...

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  • Sat 24

    Habitat Restoration

    January 24 @ 8:45 am - 12:00 pm Habitat Restoration
    Madrona Marsh Nature Center 3201 Plaza Del Amo, Torrance, CA, United States

    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, ...

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  • Fri 23

    Friday Fun

    January 23 @ 10:00 am - 12:00 pm FridayFun
    Madrona Marsh Nature Center 3201 Plaza Del Amo, Torrance, CA, United States
    Kids Programs

    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, ...

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    Free
  • Tue 20

    PV/South Bay Audubon Chapter Meeting

    January 20 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm PV/South Bay Audubon Chapter Meeting
    Madrona Marsh Nature Center 3201 Plaza Del Amo, Torrance, CA, United States
  • Mon 19

    Closed – Preserve & Nature Center

    January 19 Preserve & Nature Center Closed
    Madrona Marsh Nature Center 3201 Plaza Del Amo, Torrance, CA, United States
  • Sun 18

    Closed – Preserve & Nature Center

    January 18 Preserve & Nature Center Closed
    Madrona Marsh Nature Center 3201 Plaza Del Amo, Torrance, CA, United States
  • Sat 17

    🌿 Discovery Zone – Explore, Discover, Wonder!

    January 17 @ 10:30 am - 12:00 pm 🌿 Discovery Zone – Explore, Discover, Wonder!
    Madrona Marsh Nature Center 3201 Plaza Del Amo, Torrance, CA, United States

    Welcome to the Discovery Zone at Madrona Marsh — a hands-on space where young explorers can learn about nature through play, curiosity, and discovery! Kids can touch, observe, and investigate ...

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    Free
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Madrona Marsh Nature Center & Preserve

3201 Plaza del Amo, Torrance, CA 90503

(310) 782-3989


Hours:
Tuesday - Saturday
10:00 am-5:00 pm

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  • Visit & Explore
    • Events & Programs
    • The Preserve
    • The Nature Center
    • Vistor Guidelines
    • Docent-Led Group Tours
    • Shop & Gift Store
  • Discover & Learn
    • Wildlife & Habitat
    • Kids’ Den
    • Gallery
  • Get Involved
    • Membership
    • Donate
    • Ralphs Rewards
    • Volunteer
  • About Us
    • Staff
    • The Friends
    • Annual Reports
    • Contact us
  • News & Info