A couple weeks ago Joe Linton over at L.A. Creek Freak posted a contest wherein he solicited readers to enter by posting a comment declaring their favorite spots along any of SoCal’s waterways, with the randomly selected winner receiving a copy of the just-released “Animals of the Los Angeles River: Arroyo Seco and Environs” fold-out guide produced by the Audubon Center at Debs Park of Montecito Heights.
Being as I’m a sucker for free and for wildlife and wildlife guides (one of my favorites being John Muir Laws’ absolutely exquisite “The Laws Field Guide to the Sierra Nevada”), I didn’t hesitate to submit my comment singing praise for Ballona Creek and then cross my fingers hoping my name was picked. Turns out I won — along with the rest of the commenters thanks to Jeff Chapman, the center’s director who graciously sent all entrants a guide. Had I not benefited from Chapman’s generosity, I most certainly would have purchased one, and you can too. They aren’t yet available online, but you can get yours either at the center for $6 or by sending a $6.59 check to Audubon Center at Debs Park, 4700 N. Griffin Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90031, and they will mail you one.