California Friendly Garden Unveiling This Saturday at Medrona Marsh.

City of Torrance:

WHAT:   The City of Torrance joins the Friends of the Madrona Marsh
        and the Metropolitan Water District to celebrate Open House
        and Garden Party at the Madrona Marsh Nature Center in
        Torrance. The event also will celebrate the addition of a new
        California Friendly Garden of native plants that not only
        attractive but also well adapted to our dry, southern
        California climate.

WHEN:   10 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 15; ceremony begins at 10
        a.m. Tours of the new garden will be provided at program's
        conclusion.

WHERE:  Madrona Marsh Nature Center, 3201 Plaza del Amo, Torrance
        90503 (Los Angeles County Thomas Guide Page 763,E-7)

WHO:    Torrance Mayor Dan Walker; state Sen. Debra Bowen (invited);
        state Assemblyman Ted W. Lieu (invited) Bill Arrowsmith of the
        Friends of the Madrona Marsh; and Bill D. Wright, Torrance's
        representative on Metropolitan Water District's Board of
        Directors

WHY:    The Madrona Marsh Preserve is a valuable habitat for birds,
        insects, reptiles and small mammals. It is a remnant of a once
        extensive natural system that existed along the coastal plain
        of Southern California. Staff and docents offer many
        educational programs in the Nature Center. Besides attending
        programs, students and visitors also use the laboratory, the
        library and other aids to assist in understanding this unique
        habitat. The Center's new water-wise garden is one of 21
        projects in Southern California funded by Metropolitan's City
        Makeover program. The program was established to transform
        highly visible public spaces into native and
        California-friendly plant landscapes. The program is part of
        an ongoing public outreach effort to promote outdoor water
        conservation and an appreciation of native landscaping among
        Southern Californians.