The Upper Newport Bay is a large coastal wetland in Southern California

Southern California

Southern California is a megaregion, or megapolitan area, in the southern area of the U.S. state of California. Large urban areas include Greater Los Angeles and Greater San Diego. The urban area stretches along the coast from Ventura through the Southland and Inland Empire to San Diego...

 and a major stopover for birds. Dozens of species, including endangered ones, can be observed here. Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve and Ecological Reserve represent approximately 1,000 acres (4 km²) of open space. The Upper Bay was purchased by the state in 1975 for its Fish and Game Department's Ecological Reserve System. In 1985 the upper west bluffs and lands surrounding the bay became part of a county regional park. The beautiful setting offers outdoor activities such as bird-watching, jogging, bicycling, hiking, kayaking and horseback riding. The bay is recognized for protection by the California Bays and Estuaries Policy

California Bays and Estuaries Policy

The Water Quality Control Policy for the Enclosed Bays and Estuaries of California is published by the California State Water Resources Control Board as guidelines to prevent water quality degradation. The policy is revised as needed.-Geography:...

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It connects through the Newport Back Bay

Newport Back Bay

The Back Bay is the colloquial term for the inland delta in Newport Beach, California. It connects the Upper Newport Bay with the Newport Harbor. It is a nature reserve home to several species of birds with hiking and biking trails...

 to the Newport Beach

Newport Beach, California

Newport Beach, incorporated in 1906, is a city in Orange County, California, south of downtown Santa Ana. The population was 85,186 at the 2010 census.The city's median family income and property values consistently place high in national rankings...

harbor.