Santiago Canyon: It’s for the Birds and Other Nature Lovers

The Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary, off Santiago Canyon Road, is a hidden jewel dedicated to the preservation of birds, animals and native plants. It’s the former home of Ben and Dorothy Tucker, a Long Beach couple who built a country home there in 1908. The 12-acre property near Silverado was donated to the Audubon Society in 1939 and is now owned by Cal State Fullerton.

About 12,000 Orange County youngsters visit the sanctuary each year on field trips, according to the director, Barry Thomas. The center (29322 Modjeska Canyon Road, [714] 649-2760) is open 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily (closed Dec. 25). A $1.50 fee is requested for general admission; $6 per person for guided tours. Parking is free.

Getting there: From north and central Orange County: Take Santiago Canyon Road (Route 18) south to Modjeska Canyon Road and turn left. Follow the road to where it dead-ends at the sanctuary. From south and coastal Orange County: Take Interstate 5 to El Toro Road and head inland. Turn left on to Santiago Canyon Road at Cook’s Corner and turn right on Modjeska Canyon Road.

* A new Discover Orange County will run next Sunday in the Orange County Calendar.

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Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary

29322 Modjeska Canyon Road,

(714) 649-2760