Founded in 1979 by the Corp of Engineers, Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve lies in the mid-San Fernando Valley. It has been called a “welcome oasis within an urban setting” with lush vegetation consisting of riparian woodlands, coastal sage, and oak savannas. These grounds serve a practical purpose as a  flood control area, serving the people of the San Fernando Valley, this important Basin is truly an oasis.

What is Sepulveda Basin?

Tweet

Blaze

Once there was a dog.
And a bird.  They were friends.

I am so excited. “Fred”, my owner, has just picked up my leash from the counter meaning we are going on a walk! 

I hope we will go to Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve where I can run and maybe see my friend, Tweet. 

I excitedly bounce from the car and sniff the fresh air. The aroma of sage, roses, and trees of all kinds, coast live oak and Fremont cottonwood filled my nose.

Fred and I walked along the winding trails and passed by the lake, Haskell Creek, and the variety of green plants that bordered the trails. After a long day of walking and picking up trash, we finally made our way back home.

A week went by and I waited impatiently for Fred to grab my leash. I knew something was wrong. I wonder what could it be? Have I been a bad boy? 

Fred was worriedly staring at the television. Breaking news, 10% Contained, Firefighters struggle to contain brush fire at Sepulveda Basin, covered the screen, what did this all mean? Whatever happened, I hope Tweet is all right. 

The newscaster continues saying, “The Sepulveda Basin fire had started due to strong winds and cigarettes that were failed to be put out. Statistics show that over 90 percent of wildfires are caused by people, leaving millions of acres burned.”

Two weeks later, I returned to the basin and noticed all of the vegetation was burned, the bushes and trees had lost their leaves. The smell of ash and smoke filled the air. I no longer heard the chirping of birds or the joyful sounds of the critters that once filled the land. That's when I saw Tweet huddled with his family near the Creek.

“Tweet what happened?”

“When the fire started, I was soaring above the Fremont cottonwoods when I spotted a cloud of smoke coming from the trees in the distance. I was curious so I went to investigate. Sirens filled the air and the smell of smoke made it hard to breathe. The fire blanketed the trees. The wind began to pick up, and the fire got worse. The land burned and along with it all of the vegetation I used to rely on. My home was destroyed.” Tweet expressed.