The abundant food sources both on the Humboldt Bay mudflats and in the freshwater marshes make the Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary an important foraging area for many species of birds. Many species spend the winter at the Sanctuary. Others breed and nest here in the spring. Birds that live here year round include Black-crowned Night Herons which have a rookery in the willows around the Log Pond. It is also common to see Great Egrets, Snowy Egrets, Northern Harriers and Blue Herons.
Several trails alllow access to bird blinds, which are equipped with benches.
Some of the many topics include birds, wildlife, wetlands, ecology, natural history, aquaculture and wastewater treatment. Topics for the docent led tours vary each week, with the last Saturday of the month reserved for a tour of the Wastewater Treatment Plant. Tours are provided free of charge and normally last from one to two hours. Tours normall go rain or shine, so visitors are asked to dress appropriately and bring lots of questions. Fishing is permitted year round on the south side of Klopp Lake, with current California fishing license.