Gum Grove Park in Seal Beach hugs the edge of Los Cerritos Wetlands. This park is a
popular place for locals to walk their dogs but unknown to most of the public.
There is only one trail a rather dusty road down the middle of the park shaded by
eucalyptus trees. Several small single tracks trails run along the hill that separates
neighborhood homes from the park.
Gum Grove Park is adjacent to the Los Cerritos Wetlands a vast marsh that at one time
covered 4,000 acres. Today all that is left is about 800 acres. Los Cerritos Wetlands is
the largest salt marsh in Los Angeles County and one of only about 30 southern
California coastal salt marshes still in existence.
The Los Cerritos Wetlands are mostly hidden from view as you hike through Gum
Grove Park. Oil derricks and storage facilities are still in operation in the wetland area.
Hopefully, one day the wetlands will be returned by to nature.
Even though the wetlands have not been restored yet, the wetlands attract several
endangered species, including the Belding’s Savannah Sparrow, California Least Terns,
and the California Brown Pelican. Most of the open space is still used for oil operations
and fenced off from the public although it will eventually be restored to its natural state.
One thing you don’t want to miss is at the end of the trail. The park road heads up the
hill and if you turn left and you will find the Heron Pointe Cultural Education Center.
Along with a birds-eye view of the marsh area you learn about the history of the
wetlands.
Below is Heron Point Cultural Center.
Heron Pointe cultural center features a series of plaques along a trail. Details about the
native people of the area and the history of Heron Pointe are highlighted in each plaque
along the route.
Heron Pointe cultural center was built as part of a deal to allow the houses to be built on
the bluff overlooking the wetlands. The cultural center trail is even more hidden that
Gum Grove Park but definitely worth checking out.
The area around Gum Grove Park was used for farming and ranching until the 1930’s
when oil drilling began. The San Gabriel River was channelized in the early sixties and
during construction of the channel dredging material was deposited into the wetlands
blocking most tidal water from entering.
The wetlands have been fenced off since the late 80’s and what is left is from pristine.
There are only a few pools of water with most of the land covered in non-native plants.