Elder Dennis Garcia of the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians, honoring the seasons during the opening ceremony.
LOS ANGELES (June 21, 2025) — Over a thousand community members gathered to celebrate Summer Solstice at the Chatsworth Nature Preserve, an annual event hosted by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) in partnership with the Santa Susana Mountain Park Association, Sky Valley Volunteers, and the Herp Connection.
Held at the City of Los Angeles’ only designated nature preserve, the event started with a Traditional Native American blessing performed by Dennis Garcia of the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians, followed by remarks from Los Angeles 12th District Councilmember John Lee, LADWP officials, and John Luker of the Sky Valley Volunteers. Attendees enjoyed live animal exhibits, educational booths, and guided walking tours along the two-mile path surrounding Chatsworth vernal pond.
“It’s not every day that the Chatsworth Nature Preserve opens its doors to the public, so events like the Summer Solstice are truly special and provide the perfect opportunity for our community to connect with nature and explore one of LA’s hidden gems,” said Councilmember John Lee.
Guided tours offered attendees valuable insights of the rich history and unique ecology of the Chatsworth Nature Preserve. Among the highlights were centuries old oak trees, which play a pivotal role in the preserve’s ecosystem. These oak trees, some of which can live between 200 and 300 years, serve as a critical habitat for a wide range of native birds, insects and other wildlife that call the preserve home.
Frank Hoffman of LA County Parks & Recreation (Placerita Canyon), shows off his trained Harris Hawk.
“The Summer Solstice celebration at Chatsworth Nature Preserve is a reminder of our responsibility to protect and preserve the natural spaces that make the City of Los Angeles unique,” said Commisioner Nurit Katz, of the Los Angeles Board of Water and Power Commissioners. “Today we celebrate the connection and partnership between LADWP and our communities to conserve and protect our natural resources.”
Chatsworth Nature Preserve was officially designated as the first and only nature preserve in the City of Los Angeles in 1997 by the Los Angeles City Council.
ABOUT LADWP:
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, the largest municipal water and power utility in the nation, was established more than 100 years ago to deliver reliable, safe water and electricity to 4 million residents and businesses in Los Angeles. LADWP provides its 681,000 water customers and 1.4 million electric customers with quality service at competitive prices.
###
