Friends of Griffith Park

05/05/2026

What a day!

Headed toward Mineral Wells to snap a few photos, decided to stop and check out the progress on the "new" performance stage in the Old Zoo. Bad idea as it appears nothing has occurred in this area since the last time I was here...

Except for the HUGE PROLIFERATION OF GRAFFITI... an unbelievable, heartbreaking amount, everywhere on the historic cage features...

And, while I applaud GPAB for getting the tall gates placed in front, the backside is still easily accessible. There was a maintenance truck parked over near the bathrooms, and I could hear some guys talking above the old cages so I thought maintenance was taking care of the graffiti. I started up the road, and quickly realized these guys were marking their territory, so I headed back down to give Park Rangers a call.

Rangers showed up fairly quickly, but in the meantime, the guys had also started back down (after spotting me), casually passing the two Ranger vehicles heading up the roadway.

05/05/2026

FoGP's Raptor Study is working on a video highlighting this important community science project and on Saturday, they received a bonus from one study participant!

05/04/2026

Today's recap of the intrepid hikers in Mineral Wells... the drumming sound of woodpeckers could be heard across the picnic area where FoGP/REI/AllTrails conducted an invasive removal in late April, 2026.

Heading up the trail toward Amir's Garden, there were tons of flowers, but because they're more subtle, one did have to look.

04/27/2026

The LA Raptor Study gets a nod...

04/27/2026

We're heading back to the eastern side of Griffith Park for this event. We'll be meeting at the entrance of the GP Merry-go-round Parking Lot. We request that folks sign in and grab tools and work gloves. It's a short hike up to Fern Canyon where we'll be cleaning the nature trail.

If you have work gloves and/or water containers, we encourage you to bring them. Otherwise we will provide water and gloves. We also ask that you always wear closed-toe shoes, long pants, a hat, and sunscreen. And if you have sensitive skin, please wear a long-sleeved shirt.

Thanks and hope to see y'all at this event!

04/27/2026

There's always an interesting happening along the LA River, but only if you pay attention.

There's an Egyptian goose in the foreground, and just underneath is one of our favorites – LA River's prolific mallards. Bringing up the rear with the jade eyes, the black web-footed cormorant (corvus marinus). What's cool about comorants – they spread their wings to dry after searching underwater for food... And, their beak has a hook on the front so they can hook their catch.

04/26/2026

Yesterday, April 25, FoGP celebrated Earth Day in Griffith Park, together with the mayor's Shine LA event. A large group of folks made quick work of weeding, mulching, placement of a few natives and finally, cleaning out the streambeds.

Many thanks to our volunteer coordinator, Ross, Alfredo from the Mayor's office, RAP staff and maintenance, and finally... kudos to all who volunteered a few hours in LA's jewel... Griffith Park.

This morning, we were privileged to spend a few hours with Jorge Ochoa and we hope all who attended came away a bit more knowledgeable about the treasures found in this Park!

04/21/2026

Seeing these bush sunflowers spreading across the Anza Native Garden makes us so happy... and both natives and European bees are taking advantage of the honey they can garner from this garden...

A REMINDER: Earth Day will be celebrated in the Bird Sanctuary on Saturday, April 25 / 8:30-11 AM

04/19/2026

Another side of yesterday's event...

04/19/2026

When does Public Land stop being Public Land?

But you can help protect these lands for the upcoming generations.

The Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy is working to build an extensive wildlife corridor by buying parcels of land strategically along hillsides and in canyons.

04/19/2026

We started celebrating Earth Day early this year...

In fact, this weekend we held two stellar events... the first on Saturday as FoGP partnered with approximately 50 REI volunteers who came out to help tackle the invasive problem in Mineral Wells.

And earlier on Sunday morning, we partnered with students from Immaculate Heart HS and again tackled invasives – this time in Fern Dell.

All in all – an amazing job. Thanks to everyone who participated in making Griffith Park a lovelier space! And if you want to volunteer next Saturday in the Bird Sanctuary for FoGP's Earth Day event, info can be found at https://friendsofgriffithpark.org/event/earth-day-event-in-griffith-park/

We're hoping to partner with many more organizations as this Parkland can always use the help. If you have a group – large or small – consider holding it in this LA Gem! https://friendsofgriffithpark.org/volunteer/