L.A. Environmental Organizations Adapt to Challenges of COVID-19

On Earth Day, the Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve in West Los Angeles is typically bustling with over 100 volunteers working on restoration projects as part of an annual event held by the Friends of Ballona Wetlands (FBW) organization. However, on Earth Day this week, the wetlands sat devoid of human activity as people continued to stay home to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. The cancellation of events such as this is just one of the ways that FBW and other environmental organizations in the L.A. area are being impacted by the pandemic... ...Heather Burdick, director of marine operations and executive assistant at The Bay Foundation, is also concerned about the effects of the pandemic on future funding of environmental organizations. “Since a lot of funding needs to be put into other areas right now,” Burdick said. “How is that going to affect funding for restoration projects and protecting our coasts?” Furthermore, current projects have been put on hold due to the pandemic. One specific project Burdick expressed concern about is sea urchin removal efforts. Sea urchin populations have grown to dangerous levels along the California coast in recent years with devastating effects on kelp forests...