A-May-zing Events to Discover This Month

May is simply a-bloom with events. From celebrating American Wetlands Month to an inaugural run along the LA River, these events will have you discovering some hidden (and not so hidden!) environmental gems here in LA.

> May is American Wetlands Month! On May 12 and 13, the Friends of the Ballona Wetlands will host both freshwater and saltwater marsh tours of Ballona Creek. It’s a great opportunity to explore and learn more about LA’s most significant natural wetlands area.

> TreePeople celebrates their 2^nd Annual Green City Fair on Saturday, May 5. It’ll be a day of fun, food, activities and resources to help you make healthy, sustainable changes. Free sustainable workshops will be held throughout the day.

> Interested in learning more about Next Century LADWP and the proposed 2012-14 Water and Power Rates? LADWP will host several community meetings in early May.

> Lace up those running shoes! On Sunday, May 6 the first annual Los Angeles River Fun Run will take runners along the LA River. Presented by Councilman Tom LaBonge and A Runner’s Circle Running Shop, this non-competitive five-kilometer Fun-Run will allow participants to experience the LA River up close, and create awareness of one of LA’s hidden gems.

> Whether you’re a beginning or veteran gardener, Redondo Beach’s Community Garden Work Days is a great way to learn from other garden enthusiasts. These weekly work days happen every Friday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

> Take your garden to the next level and compost! LA Sanitation will host a Backyard Compost Bin Sale on Friday, May 11. Both Earth Machine Composters and Worm bins will be available for purchase.

> How about a free fruit tree for your growing garden? Million Trees LA will be holding a free tree adoption event at LA Sanitation’s West Valley District Yard on Saturday, May 19 from 9 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

> Now that your garden is off to a great start, it’s time to take a break and take the kids to an LA Sanitation Discover Recycling Open House happening on Saturday, May 19, in Northridge. This is one of multiple open houses taking place throughout the spring. It will feature the mighty machines that keep our communities mighty clean.

> The release of Heal the Bay’s annual Beach Report Card will close out the month of May. Look for it just before the Memorial Day holiday. This is a great resource to check regularly as you make those upcoming summer beach plans!

For a full listing of stormwater friendly events happening throughout LA this month, please visit our calendar.

Photo courtesy of Friends of Ballona Wetlands.