San Joaquin Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary
At IRWD, we take pride in our efforts to revitalize and preserve the San Joaquin Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary, which encompases over 300 acres of coastal freshwater wetlands, provides habitat for more than 200 bird species, provides a Natural Treatment System to clean urban runoff, and serves as a living laboratory for students, teachers and the public. Water nourishes everything that lives. By working to keep our watersheds clean and healthy we can help sustain a variety of habitats and the wildlife they support. Building on our tradition of using water efficiently, IRWD is committed to protecting water resources.
Environmental Partnerships
Water is nature’s lifeblood, so it’s vitally important to safeguard our precious water resources to protect the environment. IRWD’s commitment to conserving the environment has its roots in our agency’s history, when we served mostly farmers and ranchers whose livelihood depended on the sustainability of our water and their land.
Today, IRWD preserves wetlands and natural habitat, partners with nurseries to promote native plants, and educates students and the public about the beauty and diversity of the region’s ecosystems. These efforts help ensure a safe and reliable water supply for our customers and work to protect the unique environment of Orange County. As an environmental steward, IRWD's collaborative partnerships with local organizations is a proactive approach to achieve mutual environmental goals.
San Joaquin Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary
IRWD's 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, the San Joaquin Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary has become one of Southern California's most notable nature respites.
Visitor information
HOURS: Open dawn to dusk every day
ADMISSION: Free
ADDRESS: 5 Riparian View, Irvine, California
View directional map
Be kind to the marsh and its creatures
IRWD invites you to enjoy the marsh. But while you’re there, you must follow these rules to ensure the well-being of the plants and animals that call the marsh home.
View marsh rules
Marsh tour (video)
More about the marsh
The IRWD San Joaquin Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary is a place for everyone to enjoy the beauty of nature. Visitors can walk along the trails, watch the more than 200 bird species that visit the marsh, take photographs, or simply relax under a native willow and listen to the sounds of nature. Because the Marsh is a wildlife sanctuary and place for quiet reflection, vehicles, bicycles, drones, dogs, horses, and other animals are not permitted.
The wetlands are a critical component of IRWD's Natural Treatment System. 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% 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 Marsh is full of educational opportunities, serving as a living laboratory for students, teachers and the public. In cooperation with Discovery Cube Orange County and the local chapter of the National Audubon Society, people can enjoy a variety of wildlife educational programs and tours, including an active school field trip program.
Important links
Visitors at the San Joaquin Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary are reminded that you may encounter mosquitos. Please take appropriate precautions as outlined by the Orange County Vector Control District.
See the beauty of the marsh (video)
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