The public was invited by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power to a summer solstice gathering on Saturday, June 21, to mark the change-over of seasons at the Chatsworth Nature Preserve — and more than 1,000 people showed up.
The LADWP owns and manages the Chatsworth Nature Preserve, the only nature preserve in the city of Los Angeles and rarely open to the public.
The event opened with a traditional blessing ceremony led by Dennis Garcia, chair of the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians Elders Council.
Frank Hoffman shows off a Harris’s hawk during the Chatsworth Nature Preserve Open House June 21, 2025. (Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer) A California brown tarantula is shown during the Chatsworth Nature Preserve Open House June 21, 2025. (Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer) Dennis Garcia, chair of the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians Elders Council, prepares for a ceremonial blessing during the Chatsworth Nature Preserve Open House June 21, 2025.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer) Visitors hike around the Chatsworth Nature Preserve during the Open House event June 21, 2025. (Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer) A gopher snake is showcased during the Chatsworth Nature Preserve Open House June 21, 2025. (Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer) A Chuckwalla lizard is displayed during the Chatsworth Nature Preserve Open House June 21, 2025. (Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer) Richard Dow leads the public on a hike around the Chatsworth Nature Preserve June 21, 2025.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer) A toddler is curious about a taxidermied bird during the Chatsworth Nature Preserve Open House June 21, 2025.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer) Show Caption1 of 8Frank Hoffman shows off a Harris’s hawk during the Chatsworth Nature Preserve Open House June 21, 2025. (Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer) ExpandThe four-hour event celebrating the first full day of summer (the solstice was actually at 7:42 p.m. PDT on June 20, according to the Griffith Observatory) included guided nature hikes, live animal exhibits, music and storytelling. The LADWP offered guests water conservation tips, electric safety information and, for job seekers, information about careers with the department.
Speakers included Anselmo Collins, LADWP senior assistant general manager; Nurit Katz, Los Angeles Board of Water and Power commissioners; Los Angeles City Councilmember John Lee; and John Luker, Sky Valley Volunteers.
The event was co-hosted by the Santa Susana Mountain Park Association, Sky Valley Volunteers, and the Herp Connection.
The preserve is the former site of the Chatsworth Reservoir, created as a LADWP water-retention basin in 1919. The reservoir was drained in 1972.
The Chatsworth Nature Preserve itself was created in 1994 after the Los Angeles City Council passed Ordinance 169723 and in addition restricted the property to educational, historic and scientific purposes.
Related Articles
In LA, a queer storytelling show brings together different generations LA Pride marches on as immigration tension grips region A new typewriter festival in Carson celebrates the vintage machines ‘Pride Marches On’ at LA Pride’s 55th celebration in Hollywood Things to do in the San Fernando Valley, LA area, June 6-12 Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Summer solstice drew 1,000 people to Chatsworth Nature Preserve )
Also on site :
- Palestinians in Gaza are calling for their own ceasefire
- Shrimp and grit: Commercial fishermen, coastal legislators vow to spike proposed shrimping ban
- Nordstrom Rack Is Selling a Cutesy, Airy Dress and Shoppers are Lining Up to Buy It