Residents interested in seeing birds of the San Jacinto Valley will have the opportunity to join their own migration again to the Eastern Municipal Water District wetlands November through May for birding tours.
Visitors will likely see many White-Faced Ibis, a resident wading bird of the western San Jacinto Valley. They may also see several of the other 120 species of birds that remain year-round or pass through, such as Great Egrets and Canadian Geese.
Collaborating with the San Bernardino Valley Audubon Society, EMWD offers free birding tours of its multi-purpose, constructed wetlands generally on the first Saturdays of the month from November through May.
Designated tour dates this year are November 6, December 4, January 8, February 5, March 5, April 2 and May 1, all beginning at 8:00 a.m.
Reservations are not required, although visitors are encouraged to arrive around 7:30 am because of the logistics involved in driving to the wetlands. The wetlands are located on the western side of the San Jacinto Valley Regional Water Reclamation Facility.
Individuals and families can take advantage of the opportunity to visit the wetlands at 770 N. Sanderson Ave in San Jacinto.
Signage will help direct visitors to the access road on the northern side of the site. Toilet facilities, free snacks and water will be available for the visitors before setting off. Casual walking shoes are recommended.
The EMWD wetlands is a permanent demonstration and experiment project that "polishes" recycled water produced by the adjacent reclamation facility before distribution to nearby farms, dairies and the San Jacinto Wildlife Area for irrigation and additional environmental uses.
Visitors are asked to stay with the group for the two-hour tour. In case of rain, the tour will be cancelled.
For more information, please call EMWD at (951) 928-3777, ext. 4226.
(courtesy EMWD)
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