Irvine Ranch Water District and The Irvine Company are proud to be part of the efforts undertaken to preserve and revitalize important wetlands such as the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary is free to the public and is open from dawn until dusk, seven days a week.

The wetlands naturally clean urban runoff from San Diego Creek. After interacting with the bulrush and othe 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.

Nearly 90 percent of California wetlands disappeared during the last century. Understanding the value of wetlands to the environment, Irvine Ranch Water District and The Irvine Company, through the open space initiative, have given new life to one of the state's most important resources. These groups have worked with the City of Irvine to restore and enhance the largest coastal freshwater wetlands reserve in Southern California.

The San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary encompasses over 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. Click on map for enlarged view.

Amid business centers, a university and a bustling city, the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary attracts visitors with its surprising sense of stillness in an urban setting. With its sweet smells and rustling sounds of willow, alder and cottonwoods, the sanctuary feels more like a faraway peaceful paradise than a rejuvenated wetlands near one of California's busiest freeways.

The San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary is a place for a family to enjoy an afternoon stroll while a Tree Swallow makes a nest. Visitors can walk along 12 miles of trails, rest on the benches, bird watch, take photographs or simply relax under a native willow and listen to the sounds of nature. Please tread on the nature trails only by foot; vehicles, bicycles, dogs, horses and other animals are not permitted.

The sanctuary serves as a living laboratory for students, teachers and the public and includes more than 200 bird species. In cooperation with Discover Science Center and the local chapter of the National Audubon Society, people can enjoy a variety of wildlife education programs and tours, including an active school field trip program.

In many ways, this rejuvenated wetlands is in its infancy. Together the community will watch it grow to become an environmental haven and restful escape in the heart of Irvine. 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.

For more information about the public educational programs available at the sanctuary, please call the Sea and Sage Audubon House at (949) 261-7963 or visit their web site.

For information on the IRWD/Discovery Science Center "Science to Go" program for junior high schools within the IRWD service area, please call (714) 913-5030.