At one time, a richly productive wetland system stretched beneath the western bluffs of what is now Costa Mesa. Extending miles inland and covering almost 3,000 acres, the wetlands provided a rich habitat for hundreds of species of birds, fish and mammals.  Today, only about 180 acres of that system remains.  The urban development of cities such as Huntington Beach has dramatically reduced both natural habitat and wildlife populations. 

The Huntington Beach Wetlands Conservancy is a community-based group of private citizens organized in 1985 working toward a common goal; saving our wetlands.  The Conservancy is a California non-profit, tax-exempt public benefit corporation, whose Board of Directors, contributors and volunteers represent many different occupations and backgrounds.

As a non-profit corporation, the Conservancy works with local, state and federal agencies and property owners to acquire, restore and manage the coastal wetlands in the Orange County coastal zone.  Funding for new projects and for restored wetlands maintenance comes from conservation bonds, state and federal grant funds, private donations, and contributions from interested citizens like you.

While protected from development by the Coastal Act of 1978, the wetlands of Huntington Beach cannot be made fully productive as a biological and educational resource without significant restoration work and ongoing management.

The Conservancy owns and manages 118 acres of the Huntington Beach wetlands, including the 25 acre Talbert Marsh, located between Brookhurst Street and the Santa Ana River along the Pacific Coast Highway.  In 1989, the degraded wetlands that are now Talbert Marsh were restored with direct tidal access.  Today, the marsh is one of the most successful saltwater marsh restoration projects in the state.

The Conservancy has also taken on a regional role, assisting in the restoration of 46 acres at the San Joaquin Marsh in Irvine.

In 1993, the Conservancy began construction of the Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center, located at PCH and Newland Street.  In April 1998, the center began accepting sick, injured and orphaned indigenous wildlife.  The center is now operated by an independent non-profit organization.