Published: Jun 28, 2013 | 21:09 PM

Sea and Sage to Host Summer Barbecue

 The Sea and Sage Audubon Society will hold its annual Summer Barbecue at IRWD’s San Joaquin Marsh on Saturday, July 31 from 5:30-10 p.m.

This family event will feature something for everyone:

• Dining under the stars in the meadow
• Evening walks around the marsh
• A sale of used nature books
• A great program on ospreys and other Orange County birds of prey by Pete Bloom, who has studied raptors in the county for nearly 45 years
• A night wildlife talk

The menu will include barbecued chicken and hot dogs, salads, chips, fresh fruit, cake, lemonade and coffee. A vegetarian entrée will be provided for those who specifically request it on their reservation forms.

Advance reservations are essential. Those with email will be sent their reservation confirmations and tickets – all others may pick them up when they check in at the barbecue.

Tickets for the barbecue and program are $15 for adults and $7 for children under five. Tickets include meals and beverages, evening marsh walk and program. Activities will begin at 5 p.m.  Dinner will be served from 6-7 p.m., followed by the program, or whenever it’s dark. The first marsh walk will be from 6:30-7:30 p.m. to take in the sights and sounds as the marsh life settles in for the evening.

The post-speaker marsh walk will focus on bats and other nocturnal animals that frequent the sanctuary at night.

For more information, reservations, and directions, call Sea and Sage Audubon at (949) 261-7963. The Marsh is a hidden gem located in the heart of Irvine.