SILVER LAKE, Calif. – A popular stomping ground for Angelenos, Silver Lake Meadow is an urban oasis in the middle of a city.

Attracting over 160 species of wildlife, the park is also a hotspot for dog-walkers and influencers. Resident Freda Foh Shen has lived in Silver Lake for over 20 years.

“This is a gorgeous stand of matilija poppies and they are commonly known as the fried egg plant,” said Shen. “And you can see why. They look just like fried eggs. Don’t they make you hungry?”

Co-Chair of the Silver Lake Wildlife Sanctuary, Shen is working with residents to protect the open waters and turn Silver Lake into a protected habitat for migratory birds and urban wildlife.

“The coyotes are a wonderful part of life around here,” said Shen.

From insects to birds to coyotes, Shen wants to protect them all. Every morning, she walks around the reservoir with friends hoping to catch glimpses of these fleeting animals.

“Bobcats come through here. They come from Griffith Park, they go through the Reservoir to Corralitas. They are very secretive,” said Shen.

There are many birds nesting around the reservoir. From Black Phoebes to Canada Geese to Red-Tailed Hawks, it is the herons nesting high above in neighboring cedar trees that attract the most attention.

“So I come every morning to see the herons,” said Emily Kuroda. “And I just sit right here. There’s like three nests. And you see them like feeding their babies every morning.”

With over 1,000 resident supporters, Shen is hoping the Bureau of Engineering and Los Angeles Department of Water and Power will listen to the advocacy organizations and working groups when reviewing the upcoming Silver Lake Reservoir Complex Master Plan. After all, there is a lot to unpack.

“The community needs workshops to teach us how to live with wildlife,” said Shen. “And it’s just like, you know, with your kids. You teach them how to live with cars. You teach them you don’t walk in front of a car because the car is not going to stop. Well, with coyotes, with any kind of wildlife, it’s the same.”

For a city full of cars, like-minded residents are hoping for a city full of wildlife.

To participate in the next community workshop on June 27, 2019 from 6 to 8 p.m. visit their website here.