Environment : Notes about your surroundings.

MAN-MADE MARSH: The Anaheim Wetlands has something that sets it apart from marsh restoration projects elsewhere in the county, such as Bolsa Chica, Upper Newport Bay and the San Joaquin Freshwater Marsh Reserve at UC Irvine: It was built from scratch.

Composed of three freshwater ponds along the Santa Ana River southeast of La Palma Avenue and Weir Canyon Road, the Anaheim Wetlands was created in 1985 as mitigation for the loss of a 10.2-acre marsh at Ball Road and the Orange Freeway. That site was chosen as the location of a string of car dealerships.

Cathy Glasgow, supervisor of Oak Canyon Nature Center in Anaheim Hills, is also in charge of the Anaheim Wetlands. She said the site is looking “pretty good,” with the vegetation planted along the pond shores now well established.

“Birds (especially waterfowl) do come in and use the area for feeding,” Glasgow said, but it is not yet known if any birds are using the site for breeding. The old marsh, which was at the bottom of an abandoned gravel pit, was used by about 150 species of bird, and in 1985 was described as the only coastal nesting area for the great-tailed grackle and the yellow-headed blackbird.

“The shame of it is that the area that was lost was so viable,” said Glasgow. It will take time for the new marsh, which is smaller than the old one, to establish itself and attract wildlife.

Permits are required to enter the site, which is not currently set up for visitation (although there is an observation deck along the Santa Ana River bike path). Glasgow said the city may eventually develop educational programs for the site and enlist volunteer work crews to help keep water channels clear of vegetation. A stream connects the three ponds with the river.

For information on the site, call Oak Canyon Nature Center, (714) 998-8380.