| About
Our Group Tour Program: |
| During
the one-hour tour, an Audubon naturalist will lead your group
from (1) an up-close look at the mounted bird displays
inside Audubon House to (2) a walk along the trails around
the fresh water ponds. The Audubon naturalist will introduce
your group to the wetland ecosystem and its importance, show
you how to use "field marks" and behaviors to identify
common birds, explore bird migration, and discuss how to protect
birds and wetlands. |
| To
Schedule Your Tour: |
| We schedule tours
a minimum of one month in advance. If interested, contact
xxxxxxxx to arrange a date and to receive an Enrollment Form.
You must mail your check with the Enrollment Form at least
one month before your tour date! |
| Group
Age & Size Requirements: |
| We accept a minimum
of 8 up to a maximum of 16 scouts or school children ages
7 and up. For other community groups, we accept a minimum
of 10 individuals. |
| Program
Fee Details: |
| The program fee
includes a one-hour tour of the trails and Audubon House,
use of our binoculars (one per individual), and a copy of
our 28-pager illustrated field guide Birds of the
San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary for each individual to
keep. |
| Current
fee schedule (effective 6/04) |
| *
Children's Tours
are $45 for 8-16 participants |
| *
Community Group
Tours are $50 for 10 individuals, with an extra charge of
$5 for each additional person. |
| What
To Bring & Facilities: |
| Remember to bring
your completed release forms; they are REQUIRED for every
person participating in a Group Tour. We suggest comfortable
walking shoes; the trails are gravel. Jackets are needed
in cooler months; a hat and sunscreen in warmer months. |
| We have restrooms,
a drinking fountain, and handicapped access to the buildings.
The Audubon House gift shop sells patches, bird guides, T-shirts
and other nature-related items. |
| Wildlife
You Can Expect to See: |
| Many wildlife
viewing opportunities are possible during your tour. The SJWS
bird checklist includes 263 species, and depending on the
season, you might see 12-23 species during your one-hour tour.
Ducks and shorebirds feed in the deep and shallow ponds
while egrets and herons stalk for prey along the edges. In
spring, songbirds sing to establish and defend breeding territories,
and you might see nesting birds with chicks. Rabbits, lizards,
butterflies, dragonflies, an d evidence of coyotes can be
seen on the trails. Keep your eyes and ears open! |
| How
to Act in a Wildlife Sanctuary: |
| Because Sea &
Sage Audubon Society and the Irvine Ranch Water District care
about wetland habitat and wildlife, everything at
the San Joaquin Wildlife if protected. All visitors
are expected to protect the wildlife during their visit. Parents
are adults are responsible for ensuring children obey the
rules at all times. |
| If you are bringing
children, please review our two Program Rules with them before
you visit to the sanctuary. |
| Rule
#1: Protect wildlife at all times. |
| *
Use a quiet voice at all times. |
| *
Stay on the trails. Walk, do not run. |
| *
Do not pick up or throw rocks. |
| *
Do not pick any plants. (Stinging nettle does sting!) |
| *
Do not harm any insects. |
| *
Use your binoculars instead of your feet to get close to wildlife. |
| Rule
#2: Listen to and obey your Tour Leader. |
*
Stay behind the Tour Leader. |
| *
Raise your hand to speak. |
| *
Follow instructions about how to use binoculars and other
materials. |
| |
We
reserve the right to dismiss any group
that is disruptive or disobeyed the wildlife rules.
|
| |
|
How to Get to the Site: |
| The San Joaquin
Wildlife Sanctuary is a 300-acre freshwater wetlands at the
Irvine Ranch Water District. It is located at 5 Riparian View
between Jamboree and Harvard in the city of Irvine. From the
405 freeway, go south on Jamboree. At the first signal, Michelson,
turn left. Continue on Michelson to the 5th signal which is
Harvard and turn right. Drive to the next signal which is
University and turn right. Drive to the next signal which
is Campus Drive and turn right. Stay in the right lane and
immediately turn ight onto Riparian View which will enter
the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary. (The entrance road is
marked by a green sign.) Follow the signs; and turn left int
othe parking lot. |
| Hours:
Sanctuary trails are open daily from sunrise to sunset.
Audubon House is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. . |
Tour participants
qualify for Orange County Wild "Wildland Lover"
patch.
Bring your passport to be signed!
|
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