Chino Creek Wetlands and Educational Park-- Chino,CA

This place is so cool. Totally geared toward nature lovers. Imagine a place that FEELS secluded and natural but is right down the street. This is that place.

The Chino Creek Wetlands and Educational Park is at the Inland Empire Utility off El Prado Rd and Kimball at 6075 Kimball Avenue Chino, CA 91708. It is easily 20 minutes from ONT off the 71 freeway, just south of the Chino Prison (Yup, it's here). You can find a link to the CCWEP here --> http://chinocreekwetlandsandeducationalpark.blogspot.com

OK first things first. I have driven past here many many times and never bothered to stop. From the street, it looks like a small path for slow pokes or school trips. Finally, i had the dog with me and i figured we would check it out together. WAY MORE THAN A SMALL PATH. On the north side of the park is a Pipe Garden. There are placards that talk about water conservation and the natural areas in the Inland Empire. Nerd stuff (Being a super nerd on the inside, I was interested). The middle and south sides of the park create and arboretum. It is a large area with native plants and meandering walking paths. There were alcoves, bridges, lakes, ducks, more placards and everything conducive to creating a relaxing experience. I felt instantly at peace.

Let me tell you about one place in particular that really resonated with me. Follow the path south and east. It will take you to a crystal clear pond filled with water grasses, lazy fish, and friendly blue-billed ducks. The south corner of the pond has a bridge situated on it. It is covered and has the most perfect breeze flow through and around it.  Sitting on the bridge, i was wrapped up in heaven. The birds were singing their melodies to the ducks. The ducks were lazily paddling along in the water. Bobbing for fish that seemed naturally subservient to the inevitable. The grass in the water was still and calm and you could see every blade, every leave, every living soul amidst it. Transported to a mellow, comforting corner of my own little world, all the stress and depression of real life melted away.  This was heaven.

But i digress...

This would be a wonderful place to take a small group of active adults, college kids, science groups. This is great for all ages and all fitness abilities.
Go ANY time of year. I went on a stormy summer day.
Take your dog or not.
Go to relax!!! or to work out.

Need to know:
Spend an hour or two
Parking is free
Entry is free

Need to BRING:
Use mosquito repellent
Use sun screen