BEST BET

People with a hankering for the outdoors may take a nature walk this morning at Madrona Marsh, Torrance’s 42.9-acre touch of wilderness that lies within sight of the bustling Del Amo mall and rows of modern condominiums.

The free two-hour guided walk begins at 10 a.m., and people are free to remain afterward to explore the nature preserve on their own. The tour leaves from a parking area north of the marsh between Plaza del Amo and Monterey Street near Madrona Avenue.

A remnant of a once-extensive freshwater marsh system that modern development has obliterated, the marsh is lush with tules, bulrushes, cattails and waist-high barnyard grass. Flocks of mourning doves inhabit the preserve, along with hummingbirds, finches and hawks. People with sharp eyes may also be able to spot the two shy red foxes that live there. A variety of migratory birds also touch down at the marsh.

On Sunday afternoon, a lecture and slide presentation about the Madrona Marsh will be given at the South Coast Botanic Garden, 26300 Crenshaw Blvd., on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. The 2 p.m. program by Torrance city naturalist Walt Wright will touch on efforts to reintroduce native vegetation to the marsh.

Admission to the garden is $3 for adults, $1.50 for seniors and students, and 75 cents for youngsters ages 5 to 12.