Skip to content

Education Overview

Javier IMG_6796 r
Watch this video about our seven education programs at the marsh

Watch this video about our seven education programs at the marsh

Since 1992, Sea and Sage Audubon has partnered with the Irvine Ranch Water District to provide high quality environmental education programs at the beautiful San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary, a 300-acre freshwater wetland in Irvine, Orange County, CA

Our Philosophy: We all need personal experiences with nature.  Nature helps us to slow down and live in the moment as we watch a bird, a butterfly, a flower.  It is through our experiences in nature that we learn to care about the environment and how to protect it. One of the best places to experience nature is on one of our education programs with our experienced naturalists. You’ll be surrounded by an abundance of interesting plants and animals at the wetland. We hope that our education programs will help get you started on a life-long love of nature!

Our Programs: We currently provide these 5 interpretive programs at the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary for children and adults.

  1. Outdoor Adventures (fee) is a science discovery program for 4-5th grade school classes about the wetland ecosystem and how students can help protect birds and the environment.
  2. Nature Day Camps (fee) are week-long day camp programs that provide children with interactive nature experiences through daily nature walks, nature journaling, art projects, and other fun activities.
  3. Summer Bat Walks (fee) are pre-paid events from July through September where participants watch the sun set and use sonar detectors to listen and watch for bats that often fly over us on the trail.
  4. Nature Discovery Kits (free) are 6 kits about owls, bats, butterflies, reptiles & amphibians, bird nests, and trees that can be borrowed by any local educator to supplement their nature presentations.
  5. Junior Naturalists (fee) is a monthly program of bird-watching trips and stewardship projects for teens that provides enriched nature experiences and social contacts with other teens with similar interests in the outdoors. 

Resources:  Our Education Team has created a variety of educational videos and science lessons that can be used by anyone who wants to learn more about nature especially educators.  

Sponsorship Opportunities:  You can help us bring elementary school children to the wetland for an Outdoor Adventure science discovery program, enable a deserving child to attend Nature Day Camp, or sponsor a taxidermy bird specimen for our programs. Contact our Project Director for details.

Education Volunteer Opportunities: Volunteering to become a naturalist is a several year commitment and very rewarding. Training opportunities include Outdoor Adventures (fall), Summer Bat Walks (June), and Nature Walk (TBD). Contact our Project Director for details.

Pollinators’ Garden: Our Education Staff have created a beautiful 6,600 square foot demonstration garden behind the Duck Club at the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary for your enjoyment and education about southern California native plants that attract hummingbirds and solitary native bees.

Thank you to our important funders in 2023!

  • Anonymous Foundation ($50,000)
  • Roger’s Gardens ($7,204)
  • Anonymous (2)
  • Sonia Appell
  • Disney VoluntEARS (2)
  • Gordon Generation Foundation
  • Gary and Maya Matkin
  • Catherine Reynolds
  • Tom and Edith Van Huss
  • Wickramasinghe Family (in memory of Sophie)
  • Gloria Widmann

Marsh Education Project’s Annual Report

We hope that you will join us for one of our education programs and learn more about the natural world that surrounds us!

If you have questions, contact Trude Hurd, Project Director of Education, by email

Project Director of Education Trude Hurd
Project Director of Education Trude Hurd
Education Assistant Deborah Brin
Education Assistant Deborah Brin
Education Chair Carolyn Noble
Education Chair Carolyn Noble

Outdoor Adventures

MONROE SCHOOL AT POND E TERRY SMITH R BARBARA SENTOVICH C IMG_4788x

It is imperative that this younger generation learn to appreciate the wonders of nature, as well as how to conserve and protect our precious planet. Sea and Sage offers the perfect scenario  to learn just that and I thank those who graciously donate to keep it ongoing.”  Terri Mitchell, Esqueda Elementary (2020)

Contact Person for Information

Trude Hurd

 

Description of Program

Outdoor Adventures is a 2½ hour interactive science program for 4-5th grade students. Topics covered support the Next Generation Science Standards and include ecosystems, wetland habitat, adaptations, food chains, and urban runoff. In the classroom before the trip, students watch a PowerPoint about urban runoff that connects their homes with the wetland. They also research one of 6 common birds they are likely to see during their upcoming trip.

Students engage in three activities at the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary.

  • During the one-hour Nature Walk around the ponds, students use binoculars to make personal discoveries about birds of the wetland and their adaptations and behaviors.
  • During the half-hour Pond Study inside the learning lab, students do a simple water quality test and look through microscopes at live pond water to understand the food web of the marsh.
  • During the half-hour Bird Adaptations lesson inside the learning lab, students examine ten taxidermy bird specimens to determine how bird beaks and feet differ depending on how birds feed.

As a result of Outdoor Adventures, students gain an important outdoor field experience, increase their understanding of freshwater wetlands, and learn specific ways to help protect the environment. Each student receives a copy of our 28-page field guide “Birds of the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary” to keep.

Program Fee

  • We currently provide this program free to Santa Ana schools as part of a grant scholarship.
  • If space if available, other schools can enroll for $15 per student (minimum 28 and maximum 44 students).
  • Program includes naturalist-led activities at the wetland, loan of our Field Trip Curriculum Kit, and a copy of Birds of the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary for each student.

How to Enroll

Scan the QR Code on the link below to access the current application form.

Liability Release Form (required for participation) (PDF)

Outdoor Adventures Enrollment Form 2024-25 (PDF)

Outdoor Adventures brochure (PDF)

Teens new to the program must also complete the “Why I Want to Be A Junior Naturalist” form and send by September 1 to Junior Naturalist Coordinator Amanda Gaskin: mag5670@gmail.com.

What Teachers Say:

What Students Say:

  • “Thank you for showing me that science is fun.” Jessica, fifth grader, Pio Pico Elementary (2019)
  • “Thank you for teaching and showing us about birds. I learned that being a scientist is a very cool job.” Maria, fifth grader, Pio Pico Elementary (2019)
  • “One of my students who struggles in reading and math really felt empowered by the experiences we all shared at Audubon. He says he ‘loves’ science and wants to make a difference in our world.” Diana Ellis, fifth grade teacher, Kennedy Elementary (2019)
MONROE SCHOOL AT CREEK ELLENOLEARY IMG_4663x
taxidermy new birds 2012 IMG_1153xc3
MONROE SCHOOL BOY AT MICROSCOPE IMG_4837x
All photographs are by Trude Hurd and used with permission.

Nature Day Camps

marsh camp 2012 IMG_6646x

“My daughter loves this camp because she learns so much about local birds and the staff are so knowledgeable and kind.” Camp parent, 2021

Contacts for Information

  1. General Camp Questions: Trude Hurd, Project Director of Education email
  2. Fledgling Camp: Deborah Brin, Camp Co-coordinator, email
  3. Marsh Camp: Deborah Brin, Camp Co-coordinator, email
  4. Coastal Camp: Deborah Brin, Camp Co-coordinator, email
  5. Advanced Bird Camp: Mary Ellen Wynn, Camp Committee, email 

How To Enroll on Eventbrite

Registration for each camp is through Eventbrite. Eventbrite links for each camp are on the current Nature Day Camp flyer below.

Description of Program

Sea and Sage Audubon has offered exciting nature camp programs for children since 1993. Children love our camps so much that they return year after year, starting at age 7 and continuing until they graduate high school. They even volunteer to help with younger camps!

Each week-long day camp helps children increase their nature-watching skills. They will take daily walks, keep a nature journal, create age-appropriate art, and do research projects while taught by enthusiastic naturalists. Enrolling in camp begins a life-long friendship with nature for your child! We hope that your family will join us this summer.

Types of Camp Offered

  • Fledgling Bird Camp for ages 7-8 introduces youngsters to familiar backyard birds and birds of freshwater marshes. 
  • Marsh Bird Camp for ages 9-10 covers all aspects of marsh bird life. 
  • Coastal Bird Camp for ages 11-12 focuses on shorebirds of freshwater and saltwater marshes.
  • Advanced Bird Camp for ages 13-16 explores more advanced topics, specific bird families, and habitats.

About the Site

The San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary is a 300-acre freshwater wetland owned by the Irvine Ranch Water District which provides incredible opportunities to discover nature up-close. Camp children will encounter a diversity of birds, lizards, butterflies, dragonflies, native plants and more as they walk around the ponds and riparian areas.

Dates and Times

Camps are Monday through Friday – see the flyer for start and end times as each age group may be different.

Camp Staff and Group Sizes

Each camp is led by a team of experienced volunteer Camp Naturalists assisted by camp Junior Naturalist teens who serve as role models. Our small group size (1:4 ratio) creates an easy learning environment and enables children to develop friendships.

Daily Agenda

A typical camp day is a morning nature walk with nature journaling, Mystery Bird poster, and a lesson or art project.  Some camps include guest speakers or local off-site trips.

Snack

Campers provide their own snacks. Peanut-free or gluten-free lunch areas can be arranged.

Expectations

We expect everyone participating in camp to treat all children, naturalists, wildlife, and property with respect and kindness at all times.

Safety During Pandemic

Because of the on-going pandemic, we consider the safety of all participants and volunteers as a high priority. Standards may include wearing masks for everyone, vaccination for naturalists and teen helpers, maintaining physical distancing, and not sharing materials. Because protocol may change with time, we’ll let you know if there are any specific requirements about masking and vaccination prior to camp. Ask us if you have questions.

Program Fee

  • See current camp flyer for current fee and enrollment procedure.
  • We offer a special discount for Audubon members.
  • A limited number of confidential, partial scholarships are available; ask our Camp Coordinators for details.

What Participants Say:

  • “My daughter loves this camp because she learns so much about local birds and the staff are so knowledgeable and kind.” Camp parent, 2021.
  • “[My son] enjoyed being around other people who love birds and wildlife as much as he does.” Camp parent, 2021.
  • “He started bird camp several years ago and the whole experience has made a wonderful impact on him. The great memories he has will stay with him all his life.” Camp parent, 2021.
  • “I liked the nature walks because we saw a lot of different birds and we saw different parts of the marsh.” Camp child, 2021.
Campers ID birds field guide 2014 IMG_5079 r
MARSH CAMP JOURNALS IMG_5064 r
Photography by Trude Hurd
Watching Tree Swallows

Summer Bat Walks

Enrollment opens June 1
Yuma Myotis bat art by Donna Robb
Yuma Myotis bat art by Donna Robb

“It’s a wonderful chance to learn about a fascinating creature.”

Contact Person for Information

Jean Savage  coordinator

Description of Program

Looking for something exciting to do on a summer night? Come take a Summer Bat Walk! You will experience the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary, a beautiful 300 acre-freshwater wetland in Irvine, during a time when it is normally closed to the public.  Guided by trained bat enthusiasts, we will take an outdoor evening walk along the ponds in search of bats. These bats visit the marsh in small numbers at night to feed on flying insects. Using our eyes and bat sonar detectors, we can watch and hear the bats flying right over the ponds, trails, and even us! A special Junior Batologist badge is available for children. Programs are on a Saturday night in August, and start time varies depending on sunset (see flyer for exact times). Entire program lasts 1 1/2 hour.

Program Fee 

     $20Adults

     $10 Children ages 10-12

  • Minors must be accompanied by an adult. Children must be age 10 or older.
  • Participants must be pre-registered. Walk-ins are not accepted.
  • A 48-hour cancellation notice is required for a refund.
  • Please note: there is an additional online registration fee.

Event Dates: See PDF flyer for current dates and EventBrite enrollment link.

How to Enroll

  • Reservation is through EventBrite. Enrollment link is listed on our Summer Bat Walks PDF flyer on this page. Enrollment opens June 1. This popular event fills quickly so register as soon as possible.
  • A signed liability release form is required for all participants; print the form on this page, sign it, and bring with you on Bat Walk night

Education Liability Release Form (required for participation)

Special Requirements

  • Due to the presence of disease-causing insects, there is a strict clothing requirement. Long pants and long-sleeves are a must; insect-repellant is optional. For your safety, failure to comply with the clothing requirement means you cannot participate in this event.
  • Flash photography and flashlights are not allowed. These lights are a disturbance to the bats and destroy human night-vision for at least 20 minutes. Leaders will carry flashlights for emergency use only.
  • Participants should be able to walk at a moderate pace up to a mile on flat, uneven, unpaved ground using ambient night-time light.
  • Entire program lasts about 1 1/2 hours. Be prepared to stay the entire time with our leaders.

What Participants Say:

  • “It was great to get to walk the nature preserve after hours. It was fantastic to learn about my local community and about bats. They are fascinating creatures.”
  • “It was a fun experience and interesting to learn about how many bats actually live right here.”
  • “Thanks for a wonderful evening into the unknown!”
  • “[My favorite part was] Everything! Using the bat detectors to “hear/see” the bats, the scenery and walk around the wildlife sanctuary, and the information from the tour guide.”

 

Resources About Local Bats

Experience The Marsh At Night
Experience The Marsh At Night
Earn Youth Badge
Earn Youth Badge
Learn About Local Bats
Learn About Local Bats
Photographs are by Trude Hurd and Doug Lithgow and used with permission.

Nature Discovery Kits

Available in 2023
bat kit items by LT

“This was wonderful exposure to bird nests for our group. This kit enhanced their observation skills and provided many opportunities for inquiry. We love being able to borrow these kits! Thank you so much for making them available to us!!” Donna K.

Contact Person for Information

Description of Program

Sea and Sage Audubon offers free loan of our Nature Discovery Kits to Orange County educators for two weeks. We understand that prepared taxidermy specimens and other science materials are not readily available to local educators, and we are happy to help supplement your scientific investigations with your students so that they can gain a greater appreciation and understanding of Orange County’s wildlife.

The topics of the 6 kits are Bats, Owls, Butterflies & Moths, Reptiles & Amphibians, Songbird Nests, and Wonderful Life of a Dying Tree. Each kit contains a Teacher Resource Notebook, reference books for teachers, a research project for students, and a variety of prepared specimens, videos, posters, children’s read-aloud books, puppets, and other items. Kits are appropriate for upper elementary students but may be adapted for younger or older students. Only one kit may be borrowed at a time.

Free Program    

Loan is FREE although we appreciate donations to maintain the kits. We require a $50 deposit check (payable to Sea and Sage Audubon) when you pick up your kit. Deposit check will be returned or shredded (your choice) when all items are returned on time and undamaged.

How to Enroll

We require one month’s notice for scheduling (no short notice requests, please). Contact our volunteer Nature Discovery Kit coordinator with your preferred dates and kit topic.

Picking Up Your Kit (map included)

What Participants Write:

  • “They loved playing with the puppet! The posters and taxidermy bats brought the learning alive for them. The children go from fearing bats to loving them. They realize bats are gentle and very helpful!” Teresa F.
  • “The children LOVED seeing and gently feeling the snakeskin. The children loved listening to the frog sounds CD. Your kits are able to put my students in touch with things I don’t have access to (snake bones, snakeskin, and real turtle). THANK YOU!!!” Tara K.
  • “This was the third kit that we borrowed and again we were impressed with the materials and taxidermy specimens. We feel so lucky to have access to such a great program. Thank you.” Marion B.

Watch this short unnarrated video about Owl Behaviors and Adaptations

Discover Owls
Discover Owls
Discover Bats
Discover Bats
Discover Reptiles & Amphibians
Discover Reptiles & Amphibians
Discover Wildlife Trees
Discover Wildlife Trees
Discover Butterflies
Discover Butterflies
Discover Nesting Birds
Discover Nesting Birds

Photograph of Yuma Myotis bat is by Jack Lindell, photograph of Bat Kit is by Linda Thomas, and all other photographs are by Trude Hurd. All photographs are used with permission.

Junior Naturalists

Photo by Gail Richards

Junior Naturalists at Salton Sea-2023

Photo by Gail Richards

Contact Person for Information

Amanda Gaskin, Junior Naturalists coordinator

Description of Program

Do you have a teen who loves birding and being out in nature? This program may be for you! Under the supervision of adult Audubon Naturalists, the teens participate in monthly field trips and stewardship projects between August and July.

During the field trips, Junior Naturalists explore unique habitats in Southern California.

During the stewardship projects, Junior Naturalists donate their time and talents by

  • Counting birds during annual bird counts.
  • Cleaning taxidermy bird collections.
  • Participating in Coastal Cleanup.
  • Assisting with Nature Day Camp, Summer Barbeque and Pancake Breakfast.

Program Fee

Teens must maintain membership in Audubon during the entire year. Teens are responsible for any fees involved with individual activities such as kayaking and pelagic trips. Confidential scholarships are available; contact the Junior Naturalists coordinator.

Experience and Equipment Needed

Prior experience with birding and nature journaling is useful in addition to having a strong personal desire to learn more about birds, natural habitats, and conservation. For most trips, teens bring binoculars, bird field guide, nature journal, hat, water, and sack lunch.

Requirements to be a Junior Naturalist

  • Must be 13 or older by September 1 and/or be enrolled in 8th grade or higher grades.
  • Maximum age is 18 or upon graduation from high school.

How to Enroll

Scan the QR Code on the link below to access the current application form.

Teens new to the program must also complete the “Why I Want to Be A Junior Naturalist” form and send by September 1 to Junior Naturalist Coordinator Amanda Gaskin: mag5670@gmail.com.
 

Junior Naturalists e-Newsletter

The coordinator sends a monthly e-newsletter that describes the month’s activity, shares photos of previous events, and provides information about upcoming events.

What Participants Share About Their Experience

  • “Being a part of the Junior Naturalist program has allowed me to meet other people my age with the same passion for nature that I have. I’ve really found a family in this group.” Amy-Grace
  • “Becoming a Junior Naturalist was likely my most critical step towards becoming a full-time birder. Through this program, I obtained incredible experiences and talents that sparked my devotion to ecology, conservation, and the outdoors. Glad to have this opportunity!” Ryan
IMG_4863
IMG_E0190
IMG_0112

Observing Nature. Birding Adventures. Memorable Experiences. New Friends.

Photographs are by Trude Hurd and Stan Richards and used with permission.

Education Resources

Great Egret Eye IMG_8537x

Learn More About Birds with the Birding Experts!

Sea and Sage Audubon Society offers a variety of educational brochures, booklets, videos and science lessons produced by our Education Team that can be used by educators and individuals who want to learn more about nature. Although many of the videos were designed for 4th-5th grade students, the presentations are useful for all ages; the only requirement is your interest in nature!

We also highly recommend the educational curriculum by Cornell Lab of Ornithology and National Audubon which are explained below.

“Each link is offered free of charge, but your donation will enable our education staff to create more educational opportunities for you and others. Just click the donate button!” by Carolyn Noble, Education Committee Chair.

Contact Person:  Trude Hurd, Project Director of Education, email

Brochures – Nature

Brochures – Nature At The San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary

You Tube Videos

This 3-minute video is narrated by Project Director Trude Hurd who explains our 7 education programs for the public at the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary in Irvine, Orange County, CA.

This 18-minute narrated lesson shows how different birds have different shapes of beaks depending on their prey. The first half covers 7 groups of birds and the second half asks students to make predictions about 5 mystery birds. Narrated by Project Director Trude Hurd.

This 13-minute narrated lesson uses wildlife of a Southern California freshwater marsh as examples to explain food chains and food webs and invites students to observe and answer questions. Narrated by Naturalist Debbie Hays.

This 8-minute narrated video explains the importance of water quality testing, shows a scientist collecting water samples from a large freshwater pond in Southern California, includes a pH test demonstration involving student participation, and concludes with how students can keep urban runoff unpolluted. Narrated by Education Assistant Deborah Brin.

Go to the link above and then enter Student Code: NZBIP and then your First Name (link is good until 12/1/2023).

This 15-minute narrated NearPod lesson encourages student learning about bird communication as they participate in simple quizzes about the songs, calls and mechanical sounds that birds make. Narrated by Naturalist Debbie Spurr.

This short, narrated video explores the beach birds of Crystal Cove State Park, Orange County, California. Viewers will learn tips to identify the common birds on Southern California beaches, the biology of their lives, and ways to protect them. Narrated by Project Director Trude Hurd.

This 16-minute narrated video is for beginning birdwatchers and features 10 common backyard birds in Southern California, how to identify them, and a few fun facts about their life histories. Narrated by Hunter Craft, camp graduate and former teen Junior Naturalist.

Native Plants to Attract Birds (COMING SOON)

This short, narrated video explains the importance of locally native plants for birds, 12 types of plants, and where to get more information.

This 26-minute lesson features our Project Director Trude Hurd who uses our taxidermy bird specimens to compare and contrast the beak shapes of ten categories of birds in Southern California.

This 16-minute video features our Project Director Trude Hurd who uses our taxidermy bird specimens to explain the three characteristics of raptors in Southern California.

This 31-minute narrated PowerPoint video explains how birds become endangered, what laws protect them, and two local success stories in Orange County, CA (California Bald Eagle and Peregrine Falcon).

This 35-minute narrated PowerPoint video explains four local coastal birds still in trouble in Orange County and how we can help (Ridgway’s Rail, California Least Tern, Western Snowy Plover and Belding’s Savannah Sparrow).

This 4-minute unnarrated presentation will help you discover how owls live and survive. Use the pause feature for each slide as you learn about adaptations (eyes, ears, talons, beak, feathers, and neck), feeding behaviors, nesting, how to help owls, resources, student activities, and vocabulary.

Wonderful World of Bats (2021) (COMING SOON)

This ___ minute unnarrated presentation dispels the myths, explains the biology, and shares the most common bats in Orange County, California. Use the pause feature for each slide.

Introduction to Shorebirds (2021) (COMING SOON)

This ___ minute unnarrated PowerPoint video shows the main categories of shorebirds and how to identify between the most common species in Southern California.

Google Classroom – Sea And Sage Audubon

A Google Classroom lesson comprised of 26 self-paced activities for ages 9 to adult to learn more about Coastal Shorebirds, Endangered Coastal Birds, and Coastal Plastics. See PDF for how to enroll.

Educational Opportunities By Other Organizations

  • This is the place for articles and videos to help you develop your bird identification skills, photography skills, and learn about feeding birds and bird sounds. There’s the free All About Birds on-line bird guide, free Merlin app to identify birds from a description or photo, live Bird Cams, and interesting fee-based courses. All ages will benefit!
  • Free K-12 Lessons: You will find a wide variety of bird lessons and activities that are user-friendly, meet Next Generation Science Standards, and inspire students. Choose from Grades K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12
  • This National Audubon web page features a wide variety of activities and content from Audubon’s national network of environmental educators to help connect children to the natural world.
  • Topics include Get to Know Birds, Owls, Migration, Plants for Birds, Hummingbirds, Raptors, Wading Birds, Seabirds, Share the Shore, Climate, and Drawing a Bird with David Allen Sibley.
  • Audubon Adventures issues colorful newspapers for children in grades 3-5 on a variety of nature topics (available for purchase).
Audubon Graphic
Image copyright Alex Tomlinson/National Audubon Society at https://www.audubon.org/get-outside/activities/audubon-for-kids. Image used with permission from National Audubon.

¡Le damos la bienvenida al Santuario de Vida Silvestre de San Joaquín!

Pond E
02 SNOWY EGRET IMG_2265x

¡Ven a Visitar!

Venga a visitar el Santuario de Vida Silvestre de San Joaquín, un hermoso humedal de agua dulce de 300 acres al sur de la autopista 405 en Irvine, cerca de Santa Ana. Todas las edades disfrutarán del humedal.

03 URBAN WETLAND IMG_2543x

Horario:

Abierto todos los días desde el amanecer hasta el atardecer. Cerrado únicamente por las noches.

04 Riparian View Encelia IMAG0072x

Entrada Gratis.

05 Parking lot 20230404_130837 DIANA TERREROSx

Estacionamiento Gratis.

06 Restroom 20230404_131352 DIANA TERREROSx

Baños estan al lado del estacionamiento.

4 Audubon House IMG_5021x

Visite el centro natural Audubon House.

  • Abierto de 8 am a 4 pm todos los días.
  • Lo sentimos, es posible que nuestros voluntarios no hablen español.
  • Puede observar un programa corto sobre las plantas y los animales.
  • Muestras de taxidermia de aves para ver.
  • Tenemos variedad de libros de naturaleza y regalos para comprar.
5 Monroe School at creek watch birds IMG_4722xx

Puede solicitar en préstamo binoculares gratis de Audubon House para usarlos en su caminata.

09 School Tour Washington IMG_9071x

De un paseo con toda la familia.

Los senderos son accesibles para todos, incluyendo paseantes y sillas de ruedas.

3 - Pond E Reflection Bench IMG_0382 r (002)

Disfrute el paisaje desde los bancos junto a los estanques.

2 Picnic Shelter next to butterfly garden IMG_5267xc

Relájese en la sombra bajo la área de descanso protegida.

12 POLLINATORS GARDEN PLANTING 2021 Dec IMG_5891x

Visita el Jardín de los Polinizadores.

Ecuentre plantas que atraen colibríes e insectos.

3 Pollinator's Garden Sign in Spanish IMG_5153x

Aprende mas sobre la naturaleza con los folletos educativos gratis.

14 Black-necked Stilt pair IMG_3405x

¡Observe gran variedad de aves!

Más de 330 especies diferentes. En cada temporada puede observar diversas aves y su comportamiento.

8 TIGER SWALLOWTAIL IMG_3312x

¡Disfrute de diversos Animales!

En dias cálidos, es posible ver mariposas, lagartijas, y conejos de cola de algodón.

9 CALIF WILD ROSE IMG_3774 r

¡Vea Plantas Nativas de California!

Todo el año puede encontrar flores para admirar.

6 Pond B Saddleback Aug 2018 IMG_4844xc

Reglas.

Este es un santuario de vida silvestre privado y no un parque de la ciudad. Para evitar que interfieran con la vida silvestre, no se permite lo siguiente:

  • No perros o otras mascotas
  • No bicicletas
  • No pescar
  • No alimentar a los animales
  • No se debe reproducir música
18 Egrets on Road IMG_4849x

Permanecer en los senderos.

Es importante utilizar únicamente los senderos, no debe acercarse al agua.

19 GREAT BLUE HERON IMG_0524 R

Fotoguía de Aves:

20 Drive in to Work IMG_1455x

Direcciones. 

El Santuario de Vida Silvestre de San Joaquín está ubicado en 5 Riparian View cerca de Campus y University en Irvine. Conduzca lentamente (límite de velocidad 20 mph) junto al arroyo. En la señal de alto, gire a la izquierda y conduzca hacia los estacionamientos.

21 map entrance SJWS DIANA TERROROS
Fotografía de Trude Hurd usada con permiso. Fotografís del estacionamiento gratuito y baños y el gráfico de Direcciones por Diana Terreros usados con permiso.

Gardens for Wildlife!

1 HUMMINGBIRD IMG_0676x long

On this page, our Education Staff will share with you how to attract wildlife to your yard. We’ll begin with pollinators and conclude with birds.

Pollinators’ Garden at the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary
2 view pollinators garden gate one june 2018 IMG_3121x

Birds and insects depend on plants and vice versa. To showcase this relationship, our Education Staff created a Pollinators’ Garden at the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary in Irvine in 2016 which continues today.  Walk through the 6,600 square foot garden on a meandering decomposed granite pathway to view 22 different Southern California native plant species that attract local pollinators in addition to being adapted to dry summers and can live in full sun and clay soil.

Come Visit the Pollinators Garden

3 SHOWY PENSTEMON IMG_5408x

Not sure which native plants to put in your garden? Our one-page handout of recommended plants can help! It features information on each plant species such as height, width, flower color and season when it flowers.

Pollinators’ Garden Plant List

4 Bumblebee on Buckwheat IMG_3872x

A large part of the garden features native plants that attract insect pollinators. These plants have flowers that are open and more flattened as a landing pad for insects. The flowers attract insects with sweet aromas and bright colors like yellow or purple.

5 HUMMINGBIRD AND MANZANITA IMG_5846 x

The other part of the garden features plants that attract hummingbirds. These flowers are tubular-shaped and colored red, purple or even white.

6 native plant sign and literature holder IMG_8900 r

While visiting the Pollinators’ Garden, check out the literature boxes for brochures about how to create a wildlife garden plus Audubon Adventures newspapers for children. You can also use these activity cards for your enjoyment:

Investigating Pollinators

Pollinators’ Garden Scavenger Hunt (Coming Soon)

7 MATTHEW CHARLES SCOUT NATIVE BEE HOMES IMG_0922 r

Sea and Sage Audubon gives our thanks to:

  • The Irvine Ranch Water District for providing the site and on-going maintenance of the Pollinators’ Garden.
  • Celso Morrison for making the rabbit-proof fence to protect growing plants.
  • Eagle Scout Matthew Charles for creating the nesting structures for native bees.
8 VicWestling former Educ Chair P1100378 by marquita millerx

Funding was generously provided by Vic & Bobbie Westling plus the Judy Gordon Generation Fund who support education about the important role of pollinators in the ecosystem and our lives.

(photograph of Vic Westling by Marquita Miller used with permission)
You Can Help Pollinators!
9 BUMBLEBEE ON BLADDERPOD IMG_1605x

What are pollinators? Pollinators are hummingbirds, insects and bats that help transfer pollen from one plant to another to help create new plants. You are familiar with the non-native, colonial European Honey Bee, but did you know that California has at least 1,600 native bees? Bumble Bees, Carpenter Bees, Digger Bees, Leaf-cutter Bees, Mason Bees and more may be living near you.  These native bees are solitary and build nests in the ground and in wood.

10 Pollinator Food Products IMG_6222x

Pollinators are important to our culture because they are responsible for 1 out of every 3 bites of food we eat, drinks we swallow, fibers we wear or use, and medicines we take. But their numbers are decreasing, and they need our help.

11 SAND BEE ON GOLDENROD IMG_5964x

We can help stabilize and increase native bee populations in these ways:

  • Plant southern California plants.
  • Make it easy for bees to find flowers. Put the same plant species in clumps that are 4-foot wide.
  • Plant variety of species that bloom at different times of year.
  • Use sunny sites.
  • Garden without pesticides.
  • Leave some bare ground and leaf litter (for bees that build nests in soil or burrow into leaves).
  • Provide a bee nest box with bundled hollow stems.
12 label The Buzz About Pollinators

Want to learn more?

Watch our video on “The Buzz about Pollinators and Native Gardens” (Coming Soon)

Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation works on pollinator conservation, endangered species conservation, and reducing pesticide use and impacts. 

13 FRONT YARD MAY 2016 IMG_3644xc

Example of a pollinators garden in an Orange County front yard.

You Can Create a Bird-Friendly Garden!

You can help birds in your yard. Simply provide what birds need to survive:  a source of clean water, natural food (especially insects and seeds), protective plant cover, and freedom from harm. It’s easy to learn how to improve yard habitat and reduce threats to birds! Read our suggestions below.

14 Front Yard from sidewalk IMG_2356 cx

Plant southern California native plants in your garden (they’re what birds are used to).

  • Get suggestions for your zip code at CalScape.org.
  • Create a diversity of ground covers, shrubs, trees and wildflowers.
  • We recommend bladderpod, buckwheat, elderberry, lemonade berry, mallows, manzanitas, penstemons, sages, and toyon.
15 house finch in bath IMG_3657x

Provide food and water.

  • Make water available year-round (shallow water is best). Birds are attracted to the sound of water!
  • Keep feeders and water baths clean (to prevent spread of bird diseases).
  • Provide safe nesting places and natural perches.
  • Let birds eat bugs (those pesky caterpillars and aphids are bird-food and shouldn’t be removed).
  • Leave the leaves (for ground-foraging birds).
16 cat by DAN TRINIDAD D35D0378x

Prevent hazards to birds.

17 TREE TRIMMER IMG_7953 r

Protect nesting birds.

  • Prune trees in fall and winter (so you don’t disturb hidden nesting birds).
  • Let fledglings learn to fly in safety (don’t rescue unless they are truly injured).
  • Important: Native birds and their nests are protected by federal law and cannot be harmed in any way. Keep your distance and do not disturb them.
Resources To Help You Create a Bird-Friendly Garden!
18 label how to create a bird-friendly garden

Download our trifold brochure “How to Create a Bird Friendly Garden” 

19 lemonadeberry IMG_3720x

Download our one-page handout “Plant List for a Bird-Friendly Garden” here

2013 Trude and Carolyn 2013 IMG_7836

Listen to an hour-long podcast about “Creating a Bird Friendly Garden” by UC Master Gardeners featuring Trude Hurd and Carolyn Noble.

  • Go to UCCE Master Gardener Radio Show website: http://mgorange.ucanr.edu/Projects/Radio_Show/
  • Scroll past In The Garden Monthly collection to the Radio Show Podcasts alphabetical listing.
  • Choose “Bird Friendly Garden” and enjoy listening.
21 Allen's Hummingbird at bladderpod IMG_3306 r

Birds!

22 CALIFORNIA BUCKWHEAT IMG_4553 r

Plants!

23 Native Bee IMG_9574x

Insects!

All photographs by Trude Hurd unless indicated otherwise and all are used with permission.