Carson's Bixby Marsh: An Urban Oasis for Wildlife

The 17-acre wetland is home to over 100 plant and animal species, offering a rare refuge in the industrial area.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The Bixby Marsh, located in Carson, California, is a 17-acre wetland that serves as a haven for over 110 different plant species, 69 bird species, and other endangered wildlife. Once threatened by development, the marsh is now thriving thanks to ongoing restoration efforts by the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts, who have worked to remove non-native plants, monitor the environment, and create public access to the area.

Why it matters

The Bixby Marsh is a rare example of a native wetland in California, as over 95% of the state's marshlands have been destroyed due to development. The marsh not only provides a critical habitat for endangered species, but also acts as a natural water filtration system for the surrounding area. Its preservation represents a victory for urban conservation and a model for how industrial areas can coexist with thriving ecosystems.

The details

The Bixby Marsh was once part of a larger ancient wetland known as the Bixby Slough, but much of that area was destroyed when the Port of Los Angeles was developed. In the mid-1970s, the installation of the Wilmington Drain cut off the marsh's water supply, leading to the proliferation of non-native plants that crowded out the native species. The Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts stepped in to pump water back into the marsh and undertake a comprehensive restoration effort, removing the non-native plants and monitoring the health of the environment. They have also created public access to the marsh, including a walking path and educational programs.

  • The Bixby Marsh was once part of the larger Bixby Slough, which flowed into the San Pedro Bay.
  • In the mid-1970s, the Wilmington Drain was installed, cutting off the marsh's water supply.
  • In the early 2000s, the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts began a comprehensive restoration effort to revitalize the marsh.

The players

Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts

The agency responsible for preserving and maintaining the Bixby Marsh, including pumping in water, removing non-native plants, and creating public access to the area.

Malika Jones

Supervising engineer at the A.K. Warren Water Resource Facility, who oversees the ongoing monitoring and maintenance of the Bixby Marsh.

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What they’re saying

“It's a nice refuge outside of the city. It's a wetland right in the middle of an urban area. It's like a secret.”

— Genesis Rodriguez, Spokesperson, Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts (presstelegram.com)

“Native vegetation provides a high-quality habitat for resident and migratory wildlife that have evolved alongside these plant communities. And the non-natives were actually starting to proliferate to where they were crowding out the native plants and vegetation.”

— Malika Jones, Supervising Engineer, A.K. Warren Water Resource Facility (presstelegram.com)

What’s next

The Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts are looking for volunteers to help provide tours and educational programming at the Bixby Marsh, in order to build awareness and appreciation for this urban oasis.

The takeaway

The Bixby Marsh's transformation from a neglected wetland to a thriving urban refuge for wildlife demonstrates the power of conservation efforts and the importance of preserving natural habitats, even in the midst of industrial development. Its success serves as a model for how cities can balance economic growth with environmental stewardship.