At first glance, a landfill might not seem like a place where wildlife wanders, but at Prima Deshecha in San Juan Capistrano, nature is thriving within the ecological buffer zone.
OC Waste & Recycling (OCWR) is doing more than managing waste. OCWR Biologists are working towards restoring the open space surrounding Prima Landfill to provide habitats for California native animals and plants. The restoration sites serve as an ecological buffer between landfill activities and the community. The open space connects to Rancho Mission Viejo open space and in turn becomes a corridor to support the natural ecosystem that has long roamed the hills prior to urban development.
The restoration areas consist of coastal sage scrub habitat along the hill slopes and lush riparian zones in the lower canyon, offering food, shelter, and movement corridors for animals. The mosaic of habitat and bank stabilization from the landfill and Avenida La Pata infrastructure has created a long-term ecological benefit for the environment.
This spring, our trail cameras captured a series of exciting visitors: Mountain Lion, Bobcat, and Badger—a powerful sign that the ecosystem is healthy and growing stronger. Our biologists are working to remove invasive weeds like black mustard and replace them with native plants that are more drought-tolerant and fire resistant. The habitat has welcomed deer, bunnies, and birds to forage on-site.
Thanks to the careful design of restoration sites and ongoing monitoring, Prima has become a safe and sustainable refuge for wildlife. Nature and responsible landfill operations can work hand in hand, and that partnership is paying off.
Mountain Lion Image caption: Sighting on April 12, 2025
OCWR has found an increase in mountain lion movement! Mountain lions are reclusive and solitary animals, so it is not often that people encounter one face to face. They are native to North America and are a “specially protected” species under California Fish and Wildlife (CDFW).
Bobcat Image caption: Sighting on April 19, 2025
Being a smaller-sized cat compared to mountain lions, Bobcats were sometimes recorded playing with each other in front of our trail camera! They have a round face with pointed ears, distinct markings, and a short bobbed tail. While bobcats are classified as nongame animals, making it illegal to hunt, trap, or otherwise take them, Prima’s open space has become their refuge to forage and explore!
Badger Image caption: Sighting on April 20, 2025
The elusive badger was finally captured on a trail camera at the landfill. These solitary animals hunt mostly at night. They are known for their long foreclaws and ability to dig dens within dense vegetation in open space. The picture shows a badger trotting during the day, which is a strong sign that it may be a mom hunting to feed her young. Badgers are also a protected species under CDFW.
