Sustainability Elements

Natural Resources Management

Environmental Stewardship

Protection of the environment and conservation of natural resources.

 

 

In the 1980’s, LAWA began restoring the LAX Dunes, which comprise of 307 acres of coastal sand dunes located on the western portion of the airport. The LAX Dunes are home to over 900 species of native flora and fauna, including the federally endangered El Segundo Blue Butterfly (ESBB), and sensitive species such as the Southern California Legless Lizard and San Diego Horned Lizard.

Our Stories

Coastal Dunes Improvement Project

The Coastal Dunes Improvement Project involves removing pavement from abandoned roadways and housing tracts, planting native species, and eliminating invasive species to restore a 48-acre area in the northern portion of the LAX Dunes. In 2014, LAWA removed approximately 32,000 square feet of hardscape, which included abandoned streets, curbs, gutters, sidewalks, retaining walls, foundations, and above-ground utilities from an old residential lot. This project is expected to be completed in 2023.

If you would like to be involved in restoring the LAX Dunes, please sign up for monthly restoration events hosted by The Bay Foundation. More information can be found here.

 

 

El Segundo Blue Butterfly Habitat Management

The U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) placed the El Segundo Blue Butterfly (ESBB) on the agency’s Endangered Species List in June 1976. Almost lost forever, the endangered ESBB has found refuge in the LAX Dunes. 200-acres of the LAX Dunes were designated a habitat preserve by the Los Angeles City Council in 1992. Restoration efforts are ongoing.

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