IRWD San Joaquin Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary

Address:	5 Riparian View, Irvine, CA 92612, USA
Phone:	+1 949-453-5300
Site:	irwd.com
Rating:	4.6
Working:	8AM–4PM 8AM–4PM 8AM–4PM 8AM–4PM 8AM–4PM 8AM–4PM 8AM–4PM

Location

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Leaflet

Photos 100

Reviews 25

Keith P

Definitely worth a visit, as the facilities, and the scenery, are well worth seeing - and, lets not forget, this place offers some wonderful opportunities for serious birding! Its not easy to find, especially if youre from out of town, like we were, and the Audubon people who answer the phone when you call for directions might neglect to mention that whilst the entrance to Riparian View is to be found off the Intersection of Campus and University, if youre coming from the direction of Jamboree Road, then you wont be able to access Riparian View directly. Youll have to go past the Intersection, continue along Campus until you can make a U-Turn (which isnt too far), and then travel back in the opposite direction. Go through the Intersection of Campus and University, and then look for a dedicated right turn into Riparian View. Its very badly signposted, and the person we spoke to when we called the place again, after failing to find it on the first attempt, told us in a matter of fact tone of voice that she couldnt find it when she first went there! That might be something for her to bear in mind when she next gives directions to callers like us. Youll meet a lot of people in this place, many of them seasoned birders, and theyll range from the usual snooty Audubon types, who literally wont give you the time of day (one man ignored my wife when she asked him if hed found anything good), to the more down-to-earth friendly people who are very happy to share their experiences. You can usually spot the snooty ones, theyre the men and women shouldering expensive tripods, with costly spotting scopes, or top-of-the-line Canon or Nikon cameras and long lenses mounted on them. Theyll look at you as if you dont belong on the same planet, let alone in that particular place, and they wouldnt tell you what theyd seen if their lives depended on it. Avoid them, and seek out the more friendly and accessible-looking types who are sitting on the benches with their binoculars, and more modest cameras, at the ready. Theyll be happy to tell you what theyve seen, and that will make the visit truly worthwhile.

barbara nelson

Quiet, peaceful, the grounds are well kept, the scenery is nice, theres all different types of birds, insects, some mammals, there is a book store on the premises and the lady who works there (Ive been there doses of time, shes the only one I have seen working) is extremely nice, and knowledgeable, I enjoy coming here. So if you enjoy walking, jogging, running, in a nature setting on well managed dirt paths this could be a place you would enjoy. There is seating through out where you can take in the scenery or rest. (simple benches) parking is free

L Smith

This place is an absolute hidden gem. An oasis of wildlife nestled smack dab in the middle of the city. Brought the kids one day and it was too hot to stay for long but they loved it. Went back today and had a lovely, peaceful walk. You can checkout binoculars from the Irvine Ranch Marsh House and the lady that was there was very knowledgeable and eager to share her knowledge. Will definitely be back. Soon.

Evelyn Scott

Truong Nguyen

Drove by here everyday traveling on University Drive and did not realize this great place. There are ample parking spaces at the Sea and Sage Audubon House. One can hike many miles around different ponds, observe wild life habitat, and migrating birds. It is great place for bird watching and photography. Will visit again.

Arlem Vargas

Good variety of birds, free and wild, a walk into the Nature environment in the middle of the City, just a 3 Miles from John Wayne Airport, you can hardly believe. Friendly volunteers, guide you with free maps and advice. Nice opportunity to expose the Children to nature, FREE parking and FREE admission

DAvid PReece

Safe with Armed security. .lots thing to look at Crawfish walking along shore ,sounds of Frogs ,huge flock of Geese flew all i formation they were know more than 10 ft above ..its a place to bring A Good Cameras , your the lenes Will be to to use here lake full of Golden Carp ..Awesome place ..

Jennifer Zheng

This is a wonderful place! I love it! I like taking pictures for animals, especially for birds. There are a lot of beautiful birds around here. I spent 1.5 hours here and shot some very good pictures. Im sure that Ill come back again soon!

Amruta Pohankar

Not shady at all. A fine walk but nothing much to see. Bird watchers might find it more interesting.

Herlitz Davis

Great birding experience awaits at the spot. Trails offer great views of the birds.

Marc Arndt

Great spot for birding, walking or photography., with nice facilities and staff.

Ron K.

Birds are hard to come by at times. Good place to hike, however.

Matt Freitag

Great walking trails, perfect place for a weekend family hike.

A Martinez

A wildlife sanctuary in the middle of OC. A work in process!