This month, Sierra Club members and community partners came together for an inspiring day of learning, reflection, and action at the Inglewood Oil Fields and the Ballona Wetlands. Participants traveled by both bus and bike, strengthening their connection to Los Angeles landscapes while exploring the urgent need to transition away from fossil fuels and protect our last remaining natural spaces.
At the Inglewood Oil Fields, participants gathered for a powerful discussion overlooking active wells, where speakers highlighted the outsized role of Big Oil in shaping Los Angeles’ history and environment. Together, we confronted not only the damage caused by oil extraction, but also the long-term challenges of restoration and conservation—even after wells are closed.
The day continued at the Ballona Wetlands, where participants toured the site up close, experiencing both its beauty and the difficulties of ecological restoration when state priorities fall short. Through guided walks and engaging dialogue, the group gained a deeper understanding of how conservation, climate justice, and community advocacy intersect here in Los Angeles.
The event was made possible through the vision and leadership of the Activist Academy’s 30x30 team(Leslie Contreras, Natalie Gott, Ethereal Quintero, Rosemary Ruiz) in collaboration with the Sierra Club Los Angeles Chapter’s 30x30 Committee(Ariel Dela Cruz, Andrea Iniguez, Johanna Iraheta, Roberto Morales). Support from the Sierra Club’s Conservation Committee grant, the Ballona Coastal Group, and the partnership of incredible speakers made the day rich in learning and connection. Guest educators included Brian Young and Ekco Murkwood of Nature Nexus Institute, David McNeill of the Baldwin Hills & Urban Watershed Conservancy, and Italia Salvaje and Walter Lamb from the Ballona Wetlands Land Trust. Their insights grounded participants in the realities of conservation work and the power of community organizing.
Throughout the day, participants shared meals, ideas, and visions for the future. A lunch gathering at Del Rey Lagoon Park provided time for reflection, while an art table invited everyone to imagine what Los Angeles could look like free from fossil fuel infrastructure and thriving with restored ecosystems.
By the close of the outing, participants left with stronger bonds to each other and to the landscapes of the oil fields and wetlands—carrying forward the understanding that pushing out Big Oil, building stronger policy protections, and securing funding is essential to protect, restore and sustain both places and people.
