Modjeska Creek running through Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary, 2/27/11

Modjeska is one of only a few trail gateways into the Trabuco District section of Cleveland National Forest in Orange County.  You will find Harding Trail head just past the Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary Sensory Garden.  Harding Trail has some nice views of the Santa Ana Mountains and connects to other trails.  This trail was formerly the Harding Truck Trail, or Harding Road 5S08 according to the official forest service map.  Mountain Bike Bill's website has a good Harding Trail description with pictures. The area has recovered at least visually from the damage caused by the 2007 Santiago Fire, although debris flow still closes at least some Modjeska roads around storm events due to lack of well established vegetation.  You may find references to closures due to fire damage on some websites, but the area is in fact open now and has been for some time. Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary, Sensory Gardens and Science Center are now (March 2011) opened six days a week.  This is a popular bird watching area, I've noticed quail, scrub jays, hummingbirds and dozens I couldn't identify.  The sanctuary includes a nice science/interpretive center full of displays and hands on activities, geared for small children.  Adults will enjoy it too (I did).  Another point of interest in Modjeska Canyon is the century old historic former home and gardens of the late 19th century actress Helena Modjeska.  This is also known as Arden or the Modjeska Historic House.  You may be able to tour the house by appointment only.

Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary, 2/27/11	Trail head, Harding Trail, Modeska Canyon, 3-9-08	Desert Garden at Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary, 2/27/11
Sensory Garden, 2/27/11	Modjeska Canyon, Tucker Sensory Garden, 3-9-08	Wooly Blue Curls, Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary, 2/27/11
Modjeska Creek viewed from the bridge to the bird viewing porch at Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary 2/27/11	Scrub Jay, 2/27/11	Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary, 3-9-08 (click picture to enlarge)

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