Outdoor Adventures 2008 Season Offers Boating And Bird Watching

The Department of Beaches and Harbors is once again offering its popular Outdoor Adventures programs in Burton Chace Park, located at 13650 Mindanao Way in Marina del Rey. Bird Watching, Harbor Kayaking, and Surf Kayaking will offer exciting experiences for individuals and families.

Bird Watching will take groups to various sites in the Ballona Wetlands, where they will have the opportunity to observe various bird species compete for resources in the shoreline and vegetation habitat. They will also be taken to areas where they can observe Great Blue Heron and Black Crowned Night Heron nesting sites. 2008 dates and times are: March 27, 4:00 pm; April 24, 9:00 am; May 15, 4:00 pm; and June 26, 9:00 am. Excursions are presented at no cost, but pre-registration is essential. Each outing is approximately two hours long.

Harbor Kayaking offers leisure kayaking outings in the Marina harbor for anyone 10 years and older, including families, for whom double kayaks are available. Class size limited to 15 participants. Outings are from 11:30 am to 1:45 pm. Dates are March 29, April 26, May 17, June 28, September 27, October 25, and November 22. Cost per outing is $25.00 from 10 to 18 years of age, and $30.00 for participants 19 or older.

Surf Kayaking will provide participants with the opportunity to kayak through the Marina del Rey harbor and head out to the North Jetty, where they will surf the waves aboard sit-on-top kayaks. Los Angeles County Lifeguards will instruct the outing. Pre-registration is a must, as class size is limited to 10 participants. All classes held on Saturdays from 8:00 am to 11:00 am. Dates are March 29, April 26, May 17, June 28, September 27, October 25, and November 22. Cost per outing is $25.00 ages 10 to 18 years, and $30 ages 19 and older.

For the bird watching program, call (310) 628-2135 and for the kayaking programs call (310) 305-9587 to register or to obtain additional information.