San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary

Tustin Ranch resident Marynn Morioka has won the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary logo design contest, sponsored by the Irvine Ranch Water District. A graphic artist by profession, she received a $200 savings bond, an honorary membership in the wildlife sanctuary and a T-shirt with her winning logo. Her entry was one of 118 submitted. Morioka's artwork of a graceful stilt wading in a pool of water will be featured on signs at the sanctuary. Information: (949) 453-5300.

Surrounded by the bustling planned community of Irvine, there lies a 300-acre oasis of coastal freshwater wetlands, duck ponds, tall grasses and thousands of recently planted trees. Formerly farmland and later a duck-hunting site, the once degraded marshland has been transformed into the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary, a viable habitat for the imperiled California least tern, least Bell's vireo, light-footed clapper rail and more than 200 other bird species.

Surrounded by the bustling planned community of Irvine, there lies a 300-acre oasis of coastal freshwater wetlands, duck ponds, tall grasses and thousands of recently planted trees. Formerly farmland and later a duck-hunting site, the once degraded marshland has been transformed into the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary, a viable habitat for the imperiled California least tern, least Bell's vireo, light-footed clapper rail and more than 200 other bird species.

Tern trek--Take a guided walk on the wild side of the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary today at 9 a.m. Sponsored by the Sea & Sage Audubon Society of Orange County, the tour will wind around five freshwater ponds at the sanctuary. A naturalist will be on hand to identify wildlife and plants of the area and answer questions. The San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary is among the finest bird-watching sites in the county.

LIFESTYLE The Secret Society of Happy People has declared Saturday "Admit You're Happy Day." Vote on the 10 happiest events at http://www.sohp.com. CHILDREN Kids can experience gardening hands at a workshop at Mission San Juan Capistrano. 9-11 a.m. (949) 443-2060. $10. Reservations required. WILDLIFE Learn about bats found in Orange County. San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary. 7:30-9 p.m. (949) 261-7963. $7-$10. Reservations required.

Notes about your surroundings Nature Break--During summer vacation, children 4 to 10 can develop their outdoor skills at the Oak Canyon Nature Center's day camp in Anaheim. Nine weeks of activities start June 21, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. weekdays. Activities include Native American arts and crafts, ceremonial games and dances and other aspects of American Indian life. Cost is $70 per child per week. Registration is by mail only until May 1.

Where ducks once served for target practice, the feathered creatures now make homes free from hunters. A $12-million wetland restoration project funded by the Irvine Co. and the Irvine Ranch Water District turned ponds formerly used by private duck clubs and land slated to become apartment complexes into a wildlife preserve three years ago.

Surrounded by the bustling planned community of Irvine, there lies a 300-acre oasis of coastal freshwater wetlands, duck ponds, tall grasses and thousands of recently planted trees. Formerly farmland and later a duck-hunting site, the once degraded marshland has been transformed into the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary, a viable habitat for the imperiled California least tern, least Bell's vireo, light-footed clapper rail and more than 200 other bird species.

Surrounded by the bustling planned community of Irvine, there lies a 300-acre oasis of coastal freshwater wetlands, duck ponds, tall grasses and thousands of recently planted trees. Formerly farmland and later a duck-hunting site, the once degraded marshland has been transformed into the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary, a viable habitat for the imperiled California least tern, least Bell's vireo, light-footed clapper rail and more than 200 other bird species.

Where ducks once served for target practice, the feathered creatures now make homes free from hunters. A $12-million wetland restoration project funded by the Irvine Co. and the Irvine Ranch Water District turned ponds formerly used by private duck clubs and land slated to become apartment complexes into a wildlife preserve three years ago.

LIFESTYLE The Secret Society of Happy People has declared Saturday "Admit You're Happy Day." Vote on the 10 happiest events at http://www.sohp.com. CHILDREN Kids can experience gardening hands at a workshop at Mission San Juan Capistrano. 9-11 a.m. (949) 443-2060. $10. Reservations required. WILDLIFE Learn about bats found in Orange County. San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary. 7:30-9 p.m. (949) 261-7963. $7-$10. Reservations required.

Tustin Ranch resident Marynn Morioka has won the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary logo design contest, sponsored by the Irvine Ranch Water District. A graphic artist by profession, she received a $200 savings bond, an honorary membership in the wildlife sanctuary and a T-shirt with her winning logo. Her entry was one of 118 submitted. Morioka's artwork of a graceful stilt wading in a pool of water will be featured on signs at the sanctuary. Information: (949) 453-5300.

Notes about your surroundings Nature Break--During summer vacation, children 4 to 10 can develop their outdoor skills at the Oak Canyon Nature Center's day camp in Anaheim. Nine weeks of activities start June 21, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. weekdays. Activities include Native American arts and crafts, ceremonial games and dances and other aspects of American Indian life. Cost is $70 per child per week. Registration is by mail only until May 1.

Tern trek--Take a guided walk on the wild side of the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary today at 9 a.m. Sponsored by the Sea & Sage Audubon Society of Orange County, the tour will wind around five freshwater ponds at the sanctuary. A naturalist will be on hand to identify wildlife and plants of the area and answer questions. The San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary is among the finest bird-watching sites in the county.

The San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary is holding a logo design contest open to adults and children of all ages. The winning logo may be incorporated into signage at the sanctuary and in print materials. The winner will receive a $200 savings bond and honorary membership in the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary is the result of a 10-year effort to restore the largest freshwater wetlands in Southern California.