Much of the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary is marsh land: very wet soil covered with brush and grass. (Swamps, by contrast, are wetlands covered with trees, with standing water at the base of trees.) No wading or swimming is allowed in the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary, unless you're a raccoon.
Over 200 species of birds and many small wild animals have
been seen in this sanctuary. Some of these animals include
coyotes, rabbits, bats, Bobcats, and raccoons.
The eleven ponds of the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary are designated 1-6 and A-E. The lettered ponds are shallower and
popular with many birds. All ponds are looked after by the
Irvine Ranch Water District.
Near Irvine, California
The 300 acres of the San
Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary
provide a safe nesting and
feeding place for many birds and animals. And with 11
miles of trails, humans can
hike, meditate, and watch
birds from dawn till dusk.
Please remember: no release
of any wild or domesticated
animal. Do not feed the wild-
life, for they have plenty of
healthy natural food here.
Please stay on marked trails
or roads; they're in plenty.
The sanctuary is bounded
by the San Diego Creek, Campus Drive, Carlson Ave,
and Michelson Drive.
Walking only: no horseback or bicycle riding allowed.
West of San Diego Creek
Sanctuary
Ponds, deep and shallow
Birds and wild animals
Marsh, not swamp