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A Fresh Start for the Southwestern Pond Turtle

Creating a plan to support and stabilize this native species.

Actinemys pallida, better known as the southwestern pond turtle, is a bit of a SoCal celebrity—it’s the only native freshwater turtle in coastal California.

Once a relatively widespread species, these sun-basking swimmers are rapidly disappearing due to habitat loss, changes in water flow, and competition from invasive species.

Southwestern pond turtles love slow-moving waters with plenty of logs and rocks that provide safe underwater havens. While they spend most of their time in ponds, streams, and marshes, they’ll venture upland to nest, sunbathe, or hunker down for the winter. Today, only a few populations remain in Orange County, two of which are thankfully on the protected lands of the Reserve. In 2025, the Natural Communities Coalition (NCC) and the U.S. Geological Survey launched a study to create a translocation and management plan for these turtles. What does that mean? That we’re looking for other sites on the NROC that could make great homes for this near-threatened native species. With thoughtful planning and care, we can lay the foundation for a fragile population’s more stable future.

The Reserve is home to 39 protected plant and animal species, and many more that make these incredible habitats hum. Get to know some of the NROC’s wildlife.

Gnatcatcher
California Gnatcatcher
Cactus Wren
Cactus Wren
Pacific Pocket Mouse
Orange-Throated Whiptail
Bobcat
Prickly Pear Cactus
Prickly Pear Cactus
Mule Deer
Red Diamond Rattlesnake
Western Pond Turtle
Western Pond Turtle
Coulters Poppy
Coulter's Matilija Poppy
White-Tailed Kite
Crotch's Bumble Bee
Southern Pacific Rattlesnake
Coyote
Mariposa Lily
Foothill Mariposa Lily
Mountain Lion
Mountain Lion
Western Spadefoot Toad
Red-Shouldered Hawk

Protection and preservation are what we do best.

All of Earth’s elements are interconnected—if one thrives, others will follow. The NROC was established to create a permanent habitat for Orange County’s plants and wildlife—a new and innovative approach to species protection and rehabilitation, supported by developers, government agencies, and environmental organizations, all working together to keep OC wild.

Our Stewardship

California Gnatcatcher

The establishment of the NROC was inspired by this tiny gray bird! We’re working hard to make sure its call, which sounds like a kitten’s mew, is heard by park goers for generations to come.
Gnatcatcher
Gnatcatcher

Cactus Wren

The largest wren in the United States, this 7- to 8-inch bird has beautiful black and white spotting, with a loud song naturalists liken to the sound of a car engine refusing to turn over.
Cactus Wren
Cactus Wren

Pacific Pocket Mouse

We thought this small mouse was extinct until a population was discovered right here in Orange County! It loves our sandy soils and tasty seeds.

Orange-Throated Whiptail

Distinctive stripes and a bright orange throat signify this good-looking lizard, which you can also spot because of its unique stop-and-start gait.

Bobcat

Bobcats can be spotted in various areas of the Reserve. Not to be confused with mountain lions, their spotted fur, stubby tails, and smaller size set these native cats apart.
Bobcat

Mule Deer

A white rump and black-tipped tail are the calling cards of this deer found in the arid, rocky environments of the Western United States.
Mule Deer
Deer

Red Diamond Rattlesnake

This reddish brown snake sports black and white stripes around its tail. It's less venomous than the Southern Pacific, but you'll want to leave it be.

Western Pond Turtle

The only turtle native to California, these small, amphibious reptiles can live up to 50 years! We're making sure they do.
Western Pond Turtle
Western Pond Turtle

Coulter’s Matilija Poppy

California is known for its poppies, but this "fried egg" flower really pops off! Bees and butterflies love these gigantic blooms (which can be up to 7 inches across), and with their bright yellow stamens surrounded by crinkled white petals, we do too!
Coulters Poppy
Coulters Poppy

White-Tailed Kite

This graceful, small-to-medium red-eyed raptor can be seen hovering on the wind in various places of the Reserve. Look for its white feathers and black-tipped wings.

Crotch’s Bumble Bee

These large, fuzzy bees are on the brink of endangerment, which makes their livelihood on the Reserve all the more crucial. Look for their vibrant orange butt, a Crotch bumble bee calling card.
Bumble Bee

Southern Pacific Rattlesnake

One of the most dangerous animals on the Reserve, with a venomous bite you don't want to experience. Luckily, they prefer to steer clear of humans and will rattle before they strike.

Coyote

This medium-sized member of the canine family has long called Orange County home, and is a key species in keeping the ecosystem in balance.

Foothill Mariposa Lily

The Reserve's dry chaparral and grassland habitat is perfect for this unique lily, which is native to L.A. and Orange Counties. Its vibrant purple, white, and yellow petals are covered in thin hairs.
Mariposa Lily
Mariposa Lily
Photo by: LCF

Mountain Lion

Mountain lions—it's estimated there are about 20 that live on the Reserve—love to roam the Santa Ana Mountains, and play a crucial role in keeping the land's ecosystems in balance.
Mountain Lion
Mountain Lion

Western Spadefoot Toad

This little amphibian gets its name from the hard black spur on its back feet for digging burrows. It’s got vertical cat-like pupils and smells like peanut butter!

Red-Shouldered Hawk

With their warm red chests and checkered wings, these medium-size hawks are a site to behold when you see them gliding up above, feathers fanned out almost as if they're reaching for the sky.