Biology 319: San Joaquin Marsh

BIOL 319 - Spring 2001 - Outside-of-class Activity option #8 (estuaries)

San Joaquin Marsh: 3589 Campus Drive, Irvine, CA 92715 (714-261-7963)

San Joaquin Marsh is an ecological reserve with trails open year round from dawn to dusk. Be sure to click on the above link for a "teacher's guide" preview of the plant communities you are likely to observe. The following information was current in 1998 (also try the main website here but this link was dead on 2/21/01). The Sea and Sage Audubon Society operates Audubon House which is open 8:00 am - 4:00 pm every day. Information on what birds or other animals have been seen recently will be available at or near the Audubon House. Guided tours are offered one a month. There is no charge for these tours. Call ahead to make reservations, and call for other dates. You may want to bring a field guide to wetlands and/or to birds. Bring a warm jacket, comfortable walking shoes, and binoculars (if possible).

Location and Directions:

A map is here. San Joaquin Marsh is located near UC Irvine. From CSUF, take the 57 south to 5 south to 55 south to the 405 south. Exit the 405 at Jamboree. Turn right. Turn left onto Michaelson and then right at the second stop light. There is a sign for the Irvine Ranch Water District at this intersection. Stay to the left when the road splits and drive along the riverbed on Riparian View (it looks like you are driving against traffic but you really are not). Follow the signs to the Duck Club, until you see cones where the road ends (at the parking area). Allow about 45 minutes travel time.

Report. This should be no more than three pages, typed and double-spaced. You may use outside information resources (library, Internet, etc.) for this. If so, cite all references in the proper scientific format.

1. Briefly describe three important characteristics of coastal wetlands that you observed on the trip.
2. Describe one specific plant and one specific animal that you observed. [Most animals that you will see will be birds.] Explain how each survives in this habitat which is subjected to significant tidal and seasonal fluctuations, and how each organism tolerates high and variable salt concentrations.
3. Describe man's effect(s) on this ecosystem, both positive and negative. What the political, economic, and cultural issues are involved in the preservation of this and other coastal wetlands?
4. If you have any other comments, please include them.