San Joaquin Freshwater Marsh Reserve Annual Report

Teaching activities have been emphasized during the Reserves first year of operation. Eleven classes from UC Irvine and three from University Extension used the facilities. In addition, eighteen classes from twelve educational institutions visited the marsh as part of their course curriculum. Because this reserve is one of the few remaining freshwater marshlands in Orange County, community requests to visit the reserve were far greater than the management committee was able to grant. However, community use L. M. has been extensive during the past year when University-related classes were not scheduled. Such a policy was adopted to determine the impact of heavy usage on the reserve and its biota. Thus far, research has been related to individual, class related projects at the undergraduate level or thesis related studies by graduate students. Most studies are concerned with avian or mammalian behavior. Surveys of the plants, and animals of the reserve have been initiated and will be continued for a number of years.