Hopkins Wilderness Park
South High School Environmental Club members help to remove ice plant at Hopkin's Wilderness Park
A community coming together...
In 1977 the hilltop, known today as Hopkins Wilderness Park (formerly a lookout used by the native Chowigna tribes) was converted into a wooded pocket park with 11 acres of trails, ponds, and habitat for native plants and species to abound. Unfortunately, the park is recovering from a past fire incident with other aspects of the park in need of revitalization.
Since 2017, SBPC has led the effort to conserve and enhance this vital resource for the community. From community cleanup projects, native plant workshops and outdoor installations, and “re-wilding” a huge portion of the park, the work continues to reintroduce native plants and connect the wildlife habitats in the South Bay.
Progress to date
Since SBPC’s work began to “rewild” Hopkins Wilderness Park in 2017, we have:
– Completed close to 3,000 volunteer hours of planting, weeding, educating
– Organized nearly 100 different park events with weekly and monthly volunteer restoration opportunities
– Worked with nearly 1,000 volunteers from within the community
– Collaborated with local schools on bio blitzes, Girl Scouts on outdoor education, and environmental clubs and Eagle Scouts on projects
– Introduced nearly 4500 new native plants in the park (representing more than 100 new species)
The successful work at Wilderness Park, driven by volunteers, and guided by SBPC board members, proves that we can make a difference working together. By identifying and utilizing every bit of parkland for more native plant habitat, and outdoor recreation in the South Bay, we hope to make quality parkland accessible to more people.
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“I really value the park as a resource/outdoor learning lab and the SBPC as a community partner! ”
“Thank you. It was a pleasure, and the volunteer’s work is impressive. It’s truly great to see so many folks out working hard, improving the park, putting in the time. I’ll be back and take some more as the seasons move along. Great work by all!”
““It was a fun experience for all of us, especially for kids! It’s amazing to see how we could see beautiful plants after weeding. We’d love to do it again. Thank you!” ”
Bluff restoration
Eagle Scout Project to create a natural habitat suitable for the El Segundo Blue Butterflies and other native species.
Transformed a portion of the dune from an area of overgrown weeds to a potential new habitat for an endangered species found nowhere else in the world.
Slope Restoration
Community volunteers prepare the area then plant natives to help rewild portions of Wilderness Park
Tree planting
With the support of a local resident, public works, and Redondo Beach city council members we were able to buy and plant native trees.
Adding to the tree canopy in Wilderness Park was a natural progression of our native habitat work.
Over the course of two weeks, we dug the holes, set the trees, and set over 60 stakes. Look for our signs designating SBPC planted sycamores and live oaks.
Eagle Scouts at work
Updating the staircase and planting natives as part of their Eagle Scout project
How You Can Help
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Share with anyone who loves and enjoys our local parklands!
Sign the wilderness park volunteer waiver form