Joe Anzenberger dedicates himself to sharing stories and advice about exploring the “back country” of Orange County on his OC Explorer website. His site presents all the off-pavement trails in Orange County, spotlighting beautiful locations where entertainment lies in the sounds and sights of a million year old natural environment.
I asked Joe to share some OC back country experiences suitable for families. He came up with quite a few unique suggestions. In fact, too many for one post — so look for future guest posts on area hiking trails and nature centers. I’m a huge fan and so happy he could share his extensive local knowledge.
OC NATURE PRESERVES AND WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES
There are several nature preserves or sanctuaries that will give the little ones an amazing experience with the outdoors. By definition, sanctuaries and preserves are basically the same – protected areas for wildlife, flora, injured or abandoned fauna, or other special reason. They may also be called refuges, natural reserves or conservation areas.
Orange County has six such areas open to the public, and a few private preserves that regularly host public events by reservation. Within the protected areas that many worked hard to create, OC explorers have the opportunity to see the county in its original and pristine condition.
The San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary in Irvine, for example, is a wonderful place for children to see dozens of different types of birds, such as egrets, herons, road runners, and swans, all in a natural environment and from safe paths and benches.
The Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary in Modjeska Canyon has prime viewing of birds from its observation porch and Upper Newport Bay is ideal for a bike ride through an area that can see up to 30,000 migratory birds per day stop by for a rest.
For a full list of sanctuaries and preserves in the county, click here.
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We are always on the search for child friendly outdoorsy things in the OC! Keep them coming.
Thanks for the great info. Guess this L.A. gal is gonna have to hoof it to the O.C. one of these days! Too much great wildness to be seen!