Arcadia’s Baldwin Lake makes history. A “History Lives Here” historical marker was dedicated at Baldwin Lake at the Los Angeles County Arboretum last Thursday. The marker was donated by Arcadia Historical Society.
Arcadia Historical Society dedicates its 9th "History Lives Here" historical marker at the Los Angeles County Arboretum, once the home of Arcadia founder, Elias J. "Lucky" Baldwin, on October 2, near the front entrance.
A ninth historical marker, presented by Arcadia Historical society, will be dedicated on October 2 near the main entrance of the Los Angeles County Arboretum. This "History Lives Here" marker showcases vintage photographs and descriptions of the history and evolution of the Arboretum, which was once the home of Arcadia founder Elias J. "Lucky" Baldwin. See hard copy in VF "Historical Society"
Los Angeles County Arboretum and Baldwin family push to revive Baldwin Lake. The 4-acre lake in the middle of the Arboretum stands polluted, filled with tons of mud and filth from years of urban runoff. Tony Zampiello, executive officer of the Main San Gabriel Basin Watermaster, along with the county's Department of Parks and Recreation, have formed a task force with goal of dredging the old lake built by Elias J. "Lucky" Baldwin in the late 19th century. Margaux Viera, Baldwin's great-great-great granddaughter, a member of the "Save Baldwin Lake" task force, says the shoreline around the lake is collapsing and eroding. See hard copy in VF "Arboretum."
Los Angeles County Arboretum. $8 million cleanup and restoration of Baldwin Lake sought. Flood control district assigns funding; expense to go before supervisors in July. Baldwin Lake is severely polluted centerpiece of the county Arboretum, visited by 400,000 people annually. The 144-year-old lake, dug out by 19th century real estate pioneer Elias Jackson “Lucky” Baldwin on his estate, has been dying a slow death because of the accumulation of street runoff laced with heavy metals, automobile brake fragments and other chemicals that create algae blooms and strong odors. Supervisor Kathryn Barger is championing the project.
Summer temperatures in Southern California have been lower than usual. The average temperature in July was 79 degrees, which was 5 degrees below normal. Jill Morganelli, horticulture curator at the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden says she is enjoying the lower than normal temperatures and is more productive because of them. She discusses how colder night temperatures have affected plants.
TV's Mario Lopez to host Lucky Baldwin Poker Tournament on June 10. It is a fundraiser to preserve the 1880s architecture of Elias J. "Lucky" Baldwin's home at the site of Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden.
Tarzan returns to Arboretum in Arcadia. Arboretum celebrates Hollywood history on June 30 with a special presentation of On Location: Tarzan at the Arboretum by Scott Tracy Griffin, author of Tarzan on Film and Tarzan the Centennial Celebration. Baldwin Lake and surrounding landscape served as stand-in for African jungle in 12 classic Tarzan films.
Why are fewer migratory birds visiting Arcadia’s Baldwin Lake at the Arboretum? The lake could see great benefit from Proposition 3 and Measure W. Audobon Society birders say there used to be approximately 330 species of migratory birds landing each winter at Baldwin Lake. In recent years that number has dwindled to about 200 species, such that the lake, which is in dire need of dredging and major ecological rehabilitation, is the focus of much debate. The lake has a low algae problem in the winter, not enough oxygen, and lots of sediment. The silt and organic matter has contributed to the shallow levels.
Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden will have its historic buildings upgraded and a new 5-year strategic plan is being drafted for the first time in many years. Among items to be improved are the roof replacement and stabilization of the Hugo Reid Adobe (aka Baldwin Adobe), the rehabilitation of the library, as well as roof replacements for the 126-year-old Queen Anne Cottage of "Fantasy Island" fame, and the Coach Barn. Mitchell Bishop, curator of the historic collections, said he plans to rehabilitate Baldwin Lake.
Annual Taste of Arcadia, an Arcadia Chamber of Commerce event, will take place Monday, September 19 at the Los Angeles County Arboretum. As always, a percentage of proceeds goes to three local non-profit organizations. This year, the beneficiaries are Assistance League of Arcadia, the Boy Scouts of America/Lucky Baldwin District, and the Arboretum Foundation.
LA County Arboretum’s “Moonlight Forest” brings people together in San Gabriel Valley. The Arboretum is now displaying hundreds of magnificent lanterns depicting exotic animals, shimmering flowers, whimsical pandas, soaring dragons, and other themes.
Arcadia Museum Foundation raises $450,000, approaching goal of $500,000, for Education Center at the Ruth and Charles Gilb Arcadia Historical Museum, with a barbecue on August 26, 2012.
California Philharmonic played its last concert at the Los Angeles County Arboretum, after 15 years of playing summer concerts there. Next year, the California Philharmonic will be playing at Santa Anita Park, where the amenities include indoor plumbing, a full liquor license and improved parking.
Moonlight Forest returns to Arboretum by popular demand. It is a magical lantern art festival that will be bigger and brighter in 2019. Runs November 9 through January 12.