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San Joaquin Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary Site # 5040 | |||
| San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary is a true hidden gem located in the heart of busy Orange County. The marsh encompasses more than 300 acres of coastal freshwater wetlands, half of which have been restored to a natural state. The remaining acres are quality habitat and are not in need of restoration. Nearly two-thirds the size of New York City's Central Park, the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary has become one of Southern California's most notable nature respites. | |||
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| Background: | |||
| The wetlands are a critical component of Irvine Ranch Water District's Natural Treatment System, as they naturally clean urban runoff from San Diego Creek and help to protect the environmentally sensitive Upper Newport Bay. After interacting with the bulrush and other plants for seven to ten days, up to 70 percent of the nitrogen is removed. The cleaner water is returned to the creek to continue its journey to Upper Newport Bay and the ocean. | |||
| The Habitat: | |||
| Wide paths wind around ponds, streams and over bridges for easy wildlife viewing | |||
| The Experience: | |||
| Sea and Sage Audubon house has experts that assist you in finding and identifying wildlife Tons of paths with a number of different routes to explore. Sea and Sage Chapter of the National Audubon Society, an organization dedicated to teaching about birds, wildlife and conservation. The Audubon House, staffed by Sea & Sage volunteers, is open to visitors from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily and features a small giftshop, displays, free loan of binoculars, and answers to birding questions. | |||
| Wildlife and Where to Find It: | |||
| Great Blue Heron, Osprey, Egrets, Hummingbirds, Avocets, Stilts, Swallows, Mallards, Cinnamon Teal, Western grebes and Clark's grebes, Black skimmers | |||
| Viewing Tips: | |||
| Don’t miss the beautiful Butterfly Garden behind The Duck Club and parking lot | |||
| Site Notes: | |||
| This is the Irvine Water District Ranch and it has been restored and converted to the San Joaquin Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary is a hidden gem in the heart of busy Orange County. It encompasses more than 300 acres of coastal freshwater wetlands, half of which have been restored to a natural state. The remaining acres are quality habitat and are not in need of restoration. With 12 miles of walking trails | |||
| Nearby Viewing Sites: | |||
| Bolsa Chica, Huntington Beach | |||
| Visitor Information: | |||
| Sea & Sage Audubon 949/261-7963 Visit website | |||
| Viewing Site Hours of Operation are: | |||
| Staff On-site: | Yes | ||
| Open: | Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday | ||
| Hours: | 8:00am to 4:00pm | ||
| Year Round: | Yes | ||
| Road Information: | |||
 Paved.  Gravel. | |||
| Road Hazards: | |||
 Number of Parking Spaces: 0 | |||
| Parking Fee: No | |||
| Proximity to viewing area: | |||
 Pull-Through Parking: No | |||
| Parking Notes: Two parking lots both with easy access to the trails | |||
| Special Tips: | |||
| there is a free map that describes the grounds and the various ponds. Different birds can be found in many of the ponds so walking through the site is a great experience. This site is especially beautiful in the spring when you can observe stilts and avocets caring for their young | |||
