The Bolsa Chica Land Trust was formed in 1992 by a small group of Californians who believed that one of the last standing wetlands ecosystems in Southern California was worth preserving for future generations. The Land Trust now includes more than 5,000 members from throughout California and twenty other states. The mission of the Bolsa Chica Land Trust is to acquire, restore and preserve the entire 1700 acres of the mesa, lowlands and wetlands of the Bolsa Chica, and to educate the public about this natural treasure. The Land Trust conducts educational programs to build awareness about the role of the Bolsa Chica wetlands system in the natural and urban environment, and tell the story of its rich history. The Land Trust's Bolsa Chica Stewards have been working since 1996 on the mesa re-vegetation project. Over 17,000 volunteers have spent thousands of hours replanting the mesa. More than 38,000 native plants have been planted at the Bolsa Chica Mesa. Over 50,000 volunteer hours have been logged. Volunteers of all ages are bringing the Mesa back to life.