Willow Springs Park, a beloved community site that provides visitors with 48 acres of unique nature experiences, is hosting its fifth annual Nature Days.
Both events, brought to the park by the Long Beach Office of Climate Action and Sustainability, are free to visitors. The events include the Monarch Day of Action on March 14, and the City Nature Challenge on April 25.
A press release from the City describes the event as an opportunity to “increase engagement and curiosity around native habitat preservation through nature activities and community education.”
The first event, Monarch Day of Action, invites participants to plant native plants, such as Narrowleaf Milkweed. This action will provide attendees with the opportunity to learn about pollinators while supporting pollinator populations and habitat restoration.
Along with this, there will be other activities such as crafts and opportunities to connect with the community. Those interested in attending can visit lbcity.info/monarch to learn more and register.
The City Nature Challenge, hosted annually every April, is an international event that encourages people to document flora and fauna local to their communities using the iNaturalist app. Featuring a scavenger hunt and other various activities, guests can learn more about and show appreciation for Long Beach’s diverse landscape. Registration and additional details for this event can be found at lbcity.info/cnc.
“These events have been a unique and engaging way for community members to participate hands-on in taking care of our local flora and fauna,” Mayor Rex Richardson said in a public statement.
These two events provide the community with an opportunity to explore the wetlands of Willow Springs Park, which was officially recognized as a designated park by the Long Beach City Council in December 2024.
The park hosts three accessible loop walking trails, including Longview Point, the highest accessible peak in the city. The park is home to several native plants and wildlife in Long Beach, with informational signage providing visitors the opportunity to learn more about the species they may encounter.
