Located on North and South of Victoria Street in Costa Mesa, Talbert Regional Park is divided into six separate unique plant groups, also known as “zones”. These zones were based upon the progression of plant groups and changing climate conditions in the Santa Ana River. The first zone is designated as the “Intensive Use Area”. The plant material has been selected based on use instead of its origins on the site. The second zone, a “Border Planting” zone, is planted with vegetation designed to maintain boundaries and screen the embankment of the Greenville-Banning Channel. Another zone, the “Coastal Strand” zone, consists of gentle slopes and dunes. The largest zone, which is the “Native Grassland” zone, provides opportunities for wildlife habitats. The most secluded zone in the park is the “Alluvial Woodland” zone which contains a wide variety of plant and animal life. Lastly, the “Wetland Zone” comprises the southern 14.8 acres of the park and contains elements of riparian woodland and mulefat scrub.
Talbert Regional Park has nearly 200 acres of scenic landscape, perfect for Costa Mesa locals and visitors that want to get outside. It comprises of a small active park that allows picnics and informal recreation, while the trail system allows for observation of natural resources and linkage to other parks up and down stream along the Santa Ana River. It is a great spot for hiking, biking or jogging. Talbert Regional Park is also one of the few preserved open space areas left in Orange County. With nine different trails stretching over nearly 3 miles, Talbert’s trails are great for beginner hikers or families with younger children.
The park is divided into two sections; the North Nature Preserve is roughly 91.5 acres and the South Nature Preserve is approximately 88.5 acres. The cultivation of native vegetation in this Nature Preserve is an attempt to recreate plant communities similar to those that existed in the Costa Mesa area before much of the land was put to use for agriculture, housing, or industry. The preserve acts as a botanical garden, wildlife refuge and exceptional recreational facility all at once.