When was the last time you visited the Irvine Ranch Water District San Joaquin Marsh? Spring is the best time to visit this best kept secret in Irvine.

“The Marsh is a reconstructed wetland designed to clean urban runoff from San Diego Creek before it reaches environmentally sensitive Upper Newport Bay,” explains Ian Swift, IRWD Supervising Wetlands Biologist.

Besides enhancing water quality, the Marsh provides a home to some 230 species of birds and other wildlife in a park-like setting. The Marsh contains more than 12 miles of meandering hiking trails on approximately 320 acres and is open 365 days a year, dawn to dusk. The campus is also home to the Audubon House and the IRWD visitor’s center, both open to the public daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Visitors to the marsh are encouraged to bring binoculars and cameras for bird watching. But there are other animals that might be seen, as well. Many visitors have reported seeing bobcats on the trails. Every spring, there is a new litter of kittens born. Bobcats should not be confused with the more dangerous mountain lions.

Because the Marsh is not open to visitor at night, many of the nocturnal animals such as coyotes, skunks and raccoons will not be seen. However, on occasion, coyotes and skunks can be seen wandering the trails in the early morning or the evening.

Other mammals making their homes at the Marsh are opossums, long-tailed weasels, rabbits, ground squirrels, field mice and rats. The small rodent population is kept in check by the predatory animals and birds of prey.

Visitors are reminded not to collect or disturb the wildlife, including the flowers or other plant materials, animals, birds, insects, rocks or any element within the entire San Joaquin Marsh. Harvesting of betties is allowed along Riparian View near Tree Hill, however. Admission is always free.

More information about the Marsh and detailed directions on how to find this hidden oasis, please visit our website.

Approximately 400 students in third through fifth grade visited the Irvine Ranch Water District booth during the annual Children’s Water Education Festival held at the Nixon Presidential Library and Museum in Yorba Linda on March 28 and 29. Overall, the 36 presenters saw more than 6,000 students from schools all over Orange County.

“This event is the largest field trip of its kind in the nation to education Orange County students about water and the environment,” said IRWD Public Affairs Manager Shannon Reed.

IRWD has participated in the festival since inception 16 years ago. Students visiting the IRWD booth learned about groundwater, how wells are drilled, the value of safeguarding the groundwater basin against pollution and groundwater as a viable local water source.

The activity, “Get the Groundwater Picture,” not only informed students about the water beneath them, they were able to “become” the various medium of the aquifer – gavel, sand and clay – while students portraying “water molecules” traveled through the “aquifer.”

The mission of the festival is to educate students about water-related and conservation issues that correspond to California Science Standards. Since its inception, the festival has hosted more than 85,000 Orange County students.

For more information about the IRWD education programs, please visit our website.

Although spring is here, it’s already time to begin planning summer camp at the Irvine Ranch Water District San Joaquin Marsh. Options abound, these unique camps are provided by both the Discovery Science Center and the Sea and Sage Audubon Society.

“Our summer programs serve various age ranges of children and offer a wonderful place to spend the summer,” said Shannon Reed, IRWD Public Affairs Manager. “These very popular camps mix fun with learning.”

The Discovery Science Center is partnering with IRWD to offer seven one-week sessions of summer camp programs for children ages five through 10 designed to enhance enjoyment of the great outdoors.

Youngsters five and six years old will delight in the “Summer Smiles” camp. They will explore safe, fun science topics and investigate the world of frogs, leaves, butterflies and dirt. They will use magnifiers to study butterfly wings, concoct gooey slime, paint leafy prints and grind their own colorful sand. They will explore the San Joaquin Marsh’s ponds and wildlife during short hikes. A highlight is constructing an edible aquifer using ice cream, soda and chocolate chips.

“Summer Smiles” meets Monday through Friday during the weeks of July 9, August 13 and August 20. Camp hours are 9 a.m. through 12:30 p.m.

“Project Discovery” allows future engineers and builders ages seven through 10 to participate in such challenging activities as building a wind-powered car, dropping an egg without breaking it and constructing a catapult. The creations will be tested in a camp-wide competition. Discover how fun chemistry can be by performing a series of exciting experiments and much more. Campers will also investigate the secrets of the solar system and a take a close look at earth, starting with a drop of water. Sessions are Monday through Friday during the weeks of July 16, July 23, July 30 and August 6. Camp hours are 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

“Campers experience the atmosphere of the marsh and they will enjoy activities to enhance their learning experience,” said Discovery Science Center Vice President of Education Janet Yamaguchi. 

Space is limited, so register today by calling (714) 913-5030 or by visiting www.discoverycube.org.

Sea and Sage Audubon has provided a variety of summer camps since the early 1990s. Fledgling Camp focuses on seven and eight-year-olds and takes place June 25-29; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Beginning birders will sharpen observational skills on daily nature walks and learn to keep a birding journal. They will also have fun playing games, learning songs and doing crafts.

Nine to 12-year-olds will enjoy the Marsh Bird Camp. Sessions are the weeks of June 25 and July 9, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Campers will explore all aspects of marsh bird life, take daily nature walks, see live hawks and owls from a rehabilitator, paint a birdhouse, keep a nature journal, do crafts and much more.

Birds, Bugs and Blossoms Camp is for campers 11 years and older and takes place the week of July 16, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. This camp will cover birds, bugs and native plants of the neighborhood. It will include a daily nature walk, an off-site field trip, nature craft activities, learning bird sounds and a scavenger hunt on the last day.

Please visit the Sea and Sage Audubon website for information on how to register for camp.

For more information about the IRWD Education and Community Programs, please visit our website.

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It’s not uncommon to observe Earth Day with a tree planting, but in 1990, Irvine Ranch Water District took that observation to a new level by creating an urban forest with about 150 trees.

“We wanted to include a wide variety of trees,” said IRWD Board President Mary Aileen Matheis. “Many are native species.”

The first Earth Day was observed in 1970 and 20 years later, IRWD employees came out to plant trees to commemorate Earth Day’s 20^th anniversary. This special “Earth Day 1990” event was IRWD’s participation in Global ReLeaf, a nationwide environmental effort designed to encourage the planting of millions of trees throughout the U.S.

“Tree Hill,” as the urban forest is sometimes best known, sits above Riparian View Road adjacent the San Joaquin Marsh and includes the first trails that were eventually incorporated into the Marsh’s current 12-mile trail network.

There are acacias, sycamores, oaks, alders, redwoods, crepe myrtles, Tecate cypresses, poplars, cottonwoods and several species of pines. The trees were planted on several Saturdays by IRWD employees and their families. There are also blueberry and boysenberry patches that attract berry pickers in the late spring and early summer.

The urban forest is one of many peaceful locations in the Marsh. Enjoy views of the San Diego Creek, the Marsh and golf course, while relaxing on a bench.

For more information about IRWD environmental programs, please visit our website.