Culver City Parks Task 8.1 Final Plan - Flipbook - Page 85
GOAL 4
PRESERVE AND ENHANCE NATURAL
HABITATS BY SUPPORTING
BIODIVERSITY AND ECOSYSTEM
CONNECTIVITY.
Rationale
Relationship to the General Plan
Culver City has a unique ecological context, situated
along the Ballona Creek and at the base of Baldwin
Hills. However, much of these historic natural
habitats of Culver City have been permanently
altered since the 1800s through agriculture use
and subsequent urban development. However,
the range of upland to riparian conditions can be
amplified through the city’s park system, benefiting
both human and wildlife habitat health alike.
The General Plan 2045 aligns with the objectives and
supports bolstering regional ecological connections
within and outside of Culver City. The plan places
an emphasis on the conservation of key habitat and
endangered species, along with creating an active
and revitalized Ballona Creek corridor. Additionally,
the urban forest and adjacent public lands are
identified as opportunities to sequester carbon.
Goals of the General Plan 2045 suggests the use of
native species, increasing biodiversity within parks,
and protecting open space and sensitive species.
Currently, many parks have planted non-native and/
or invasive species that tend to use more water and
limit biodiversity in the city. There are opportunities
to reinvigorate Culver City’s aging urban forest,
prioritize shade, introduce more native and waterwise species, implement strategies for wildfire
resilience, and connect to regional ecosystems. A
dense, mature, and thriving tree canopy is crucial
to the success of the Culver City parks system and
city as a whole. Not only does a healthy urban forest
create a pleasant park setting for communities, but
the shade connectivity it provides helps reduce
higher temperatures from the urban heat island
effect, reduces energy costs, and fosters biodiversity
within an urban environment.
CULVER CITY PARKS PLAN 85
