Landmarks Blog

Wildlife Spotlight: Mule Deer

12/6/2023

Around this time of year, mule deer found on the Landmarks can be mistaken for Santa’s elusive sleigh pullers. However, they are different than the popularly known, reindeer. Both a type of deer, full-grown male reindeer and mule deer, called bucks, grow a new set of those iconic antlers every year. However, reindeer only live in far northern and Arctic regions while mule deer are found in the Americas, ranging as far north as Alaska to as far south as Baja California. Because we don’t have reindeer in Southern California many of us think of them as a fun holiday legend, as opposed to the mule deer which is a common sight in our area.

Amongst the most commonly seen wildlife on the Landmarks, the mule deer gets its name from the large ‘mule-like’ ears that help them listen for danger. They typically flee at the first sign of danger, relying on their speed, stealth and agility to outrun predators. Generally living up to 11 years in the wild, they feed primarily on high-quality grasses and shrubs, preferring to eat at dawn and dusk. Next time you take an early morning hike or evening stroll, be on the lookout for these beautiful mammals. However, while not considered endangered, mule deer are still an important part of our local ecosystem and we do not want to cause them harm. Please be cautious and enjoy their presence from afar!

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Landmarks Spotlight: Gypsum Canyon Wilderness

11/30/2023

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Gypsum Canyon Wilderness. Photo Courtesy of OC Parks.

Now open for the community to explore is a 500-acre picturesque location amidst prehistoric rock formations and breathtaking vistas known as Gypsum Canyon Wilderness. The wilderness area is located within OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, which spans nearly 25,000 acres in the Eastern Foothills of Orange County. In partnership with OC Parks, Irvine Ranch Conservancy (IRC) works to protect the Irvine Ranch Open Space’s natural beauty and maintain a healthy habitat for native plants and animals.

Formed 16 to 20 million years ago, the gypsum, cobble and sandstone bluffs at Gypsum Canyon Wilderness bring you back to a time when ancient creatures such as camels, horses, rhinos and saber-toothed deer roamed the land. Today, these protected habitats now feature more contemporary wildlife, including mule deer, red-tailed hawks, California gnatcatchers and bobcats. In the spring months, vibrant wildflowers bloom on the hillsides while oak-studded meadows and sycamore trees remain on the landscape year-round.

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Irvine Ranch Conservancy Giving Thanks

11/22/2023

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Family Hike in Agua Chinon.

This weekend, continue the theme of “gratitude” from this past Thanksgiving by taking a moment to reflect on what you are grateful for, whether it's your cherished family or something small like the cup of coffee in front of you. For Irvine Ranch Conservancy (IRC), they are expressing their appreciation for all of the people who contribute to restoring, protecting and enhancing the Landmarks. It is through the overwhelming support that these areas remain vibrant native habitats that provide an outlet for Orange County residents to enjoy year-round.

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Trail Hardening Project Within Buck Gully Reserve

11/16/2023

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Ground after trail hardening in Buck Gully Reserve.

With the recent rain, the Irvine Ranch Conservancy (IRC) team is excited to assess the effectiveness of their trail hardening efforts in the City of Newport Beach’s Buck Gully Reserve. The canyon within Buck Gully Reserve features a year-round natural stream, resulting in portions of the nearly five-mile trail being wet throughout the year. Unfortunately, rain makes the situation even worse, leading to trail washouts and closures lasting 2-3 weeks to allow the trails to dry out. However, with IRC’s ongoing trail hardening initiatives, they are aiming to create more sustainable trails and reduce closures to only 2-3 days following rain events.

Buck Gully Reserve is a natural, coastal canyon located within the City of Newport Beach. Through the partnership with the city, IRC helps maintain the trail system to improve the experience for hikers and bikers. A top priority before the rainy season was to complete their trail hardening project, which was done over the course of three weeks in September.

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Invasive Plant Profile: Stinkwort

11/3/2023

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Photo of Stinkwort taken by Bob Huttar, courtesy of calflora.org.

There are many plant species that make the Landmarks home. One of which is stinkwort, a non-native, invasive plant species that stinks (literally and metaphorically). Irvine Ranch Conservancy (IRC) and its partners are continuously taking action to prevent the spread of non-native plants and invasive species, including stinkwort, which pose a threat to the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks native habitats.

Stinkwort gets its name due to its leaves having an unpleasant odor. It is characterized as having hairy leaves and stems that can grow up to three feet tall with flowers that are clustered in small, yellow heads that bloom in the fall. This plant is also a serious emerging invasive species that quickly propagates and reproduces, with thousands of easily-dispersed seeds. Its fast spread causes problems such as crowding out native plant species, depleting soil moisture reserves, reducing biodiversity and weakening the natural community’s resilience.

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Contribute to Native Seed Farm and Support Orange County's Native Wildlands

11/2/2023

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Volunteer tending to cobweb thistle at the Native Seed Farm.

November is a month that encourages gratitude and giving back. For those who have a passion for nature, what better time to contribute to something you love? The Native Seed Farm, located in the City of Irvine, offers ongoing public activities throughout the fall and winter, providing an opportunity for the community to participate in the restoration efforts led by Irvine Ranch Conservancy (IRC) staff.

Covering 14 acres of land, the Native Seed Farm was established to fulfill the need for plant materials, such as seeds and container plants, for habitat restoration projects across the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. It is a collaborative effort between IRC, OC Parks, the City of Irvine and the City of Newport Beach. The concept of collecting seeds from the wild and growing them on a farm was initially proposed by IRC staff over a decade ago. This idea became a reality, with the farm serving as a vital resource for the Landmarks and their restoration.

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Wildlife Spotlight: Tarantula Hawk

10/25/2023

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With Halloween right around the corner, there is no better time to spotlight the tarantula hawk! With one of the most painful stings on the planet and elite hunting skills, the tarantula hawk can be a scary sight, for insects and humans alike.

If you’ve spent time on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks, you may have come across the tarantula hawk. They are characterized by their dark blue, iridescent bodies, bright orange wings and long legs. While they might look fun and festive for the spooky season, these are not insects you want to go to a Halloween party with. The tarantula hawk is ranked as providing one of the most painful stings on the planet, even for humans! Although they will not sting unless provoked, please be alert the next time you are out on the Landmarks.

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Landmarks Spotlight: Buck Gully

10/18/2023

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Habitat restoration in progress along Buck Gully Reserve trail, May 2023.

Within the 40,000 acres that make up the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks, sits a portion of natural land considered to be one of the “seven wonders” of the Landmarks, Buck Gully Reserve. This natural, coastal canyon is located within the City of Newport Beach. In partnership with the city, Irvine Ranch Conservancy (IRC) works to protect its natural beauty and maintain a healthy habitat for native plants and animals.

Buck Gully Reserve consists of 300 acres of lush wilderness that offer some of the best ocean views in Newport Beach. The canyon includes a natural stream that runs year-round, providing a sustainable water source for native plants and animals. The consistent flow of water creates the perfect conditions for a riparian habitat at the bottom of the canyon, while coastal sage scrub habitats thrive on the hillsides. This mix of habitats attracts a variety of wildlife, like egrets, coyotes, rabbits, and a host of migratory birds.

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The Importance of Wildfire Preparedness

10/12/2023

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Orange County Fire Watch training in Black Star Canyon, 2023.

With dry and windy weather ahead, the risk of wildfires is increasing. With that heightened risk, Irvine Ranch Conservancy (IRC) wants to remind the public about the importance of staying informed and adequately preparing fire safety measures. By staying up-to-date about evolving conditions and taking appropriate precautions, we can work towards minimizing the impact of wildfires.

In Southern California, the wildfire season extends from late spring through early fall, encompassing a significant portion of the year. However, it is crucial to understand that the threat of large fires looms throughout the year, primarily due to wind events like the well-known Santa Ana winds and drought levels within our local environment. Adding to the already imminent threat, experts are predicting that this year’s fire season might be delayed and worsened. Southern California’s wet winter led to an abundance of vegetation growth, which is now drying out and turning into fuel for fires, heightening the risk.

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PSA: Staying on Designated Trails While Exploring the Native Wildlands of Orange County

10/5/2023

Hikers on trail in Buck Gully Upper Loop.

With cooler weather on the horizon, more people will be heading outside to enjoy nature this fall. Irvine Ranch Conservancy (IRC) and its partners want to remind the public about the importance of staying on designated trails while exploring Orange County’s native wildlands.

From open spaces to regional parks to beachside bluffs, the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks encompass a diverse range of natural environments. The land’s expansive trail network allows people to explore nature, but in order to do this responsibly, we must prioritize the preservation and safety of both people and the environment by staying on a designated trail. Here are a few reasons it’s important to stay on designated trails:

Irvine Ranch Conservancy Partners with Delhi Center to Bring New Opportunities to Local Youth

9/29/2023

IRC and the Delhi Center's completed nursery.

Irvine Ranch Conservancy (IRC) and the Delhi Center have formed a partnership aimed at
engaging youth in Santa Ana in outdoor exploration, environmental education and sustainability.
For almost two years, IRC has been collaborating with the non-profit community-based
organization in activities such as guided hikes, tours of the land and stewardship. Through these
activities, which are led by IRC and Delhi Center staff, the kids have the opportunity to gain
unique perspectives about their community.

The Delhi Center, which seeks to advance self-sufficiency through sustainable programs in
health, education, financial stability and community engagement, partnered with IRC to promote
its mission for their Adventures in Nature with Teens (ANT) program, funded by a Youth
Community Access Grant (Prop 64) that targets at-risk children and teens in underserved
communities. Over the past year, IRC has been hosting various activities involving the kids
connected with the Delhi Center.

Butterfly Habitat Restoration Continues In Limestone Canyon With New Adaptive Management Techniques

9/20/2023

Funeral duskywing butterfly.

Butterflies are a special sight to see in nature. However, scientists have noticed a decline in certain butterfly populations across Orange County. The IRC team has been monitoring 10 butterfly species in the area, including monarchs, checkered skippers, and funeral duskywing butterflies. They have noticed this startling trend amongst these butterflies on the landmarks as well. To increase and stabilize their populations, the IRC team and its volunteers are restoring butterfly habitats on 11 plots of land in OC Parks’ Limestone Canyon.

After seeing some success with their initial butterfly habitat enhancement efforts, the IRC team and its volunteers noticed that some seeds planted in some plots did not germinate or grow into plants. They are now using adaptive management techniques to change their plan moving forward to ensure even greater success across all 11 plots.

Spadefoot Toad Pond Restoration Project Sees Success

9/15/2023

Newly emerged spadefoot toad metamorph.

For the past few years, Irvine Ranch Conservancy has worked to improve the habitat quality for our local spadefoot toad population through pond refurbishment and habitat restoration, and these efforts seem to be working. Recent surveys at Shoestring Canyon and Irvine Mesa have recorded over 5,000 spadefoot toads in and around the nine spadefoot toad ponds. The team is very happy with this figure, considering just a few years ago they weren’t even sure if there were any spadefoot toads left in the area.

Surveys from February - July of this year, conducted in partnership with USGS and led by IRC volunteers and staff, showed that the installation of pond liners and applications of clay had successfully rendered the ponds capable of retaining water long enough for spadefoot toad breeding and metamorphosis to occur. This past winter’s heavy rains certainly helped, providing plenty of water to naturally fill the ponds long enough for the tadpoles to fully mature. One pond even retained water until July still with evidence of active spadefoot toad activity, while the rest of the ponds had dried up.

Irvine Ranch Conservancy’s Yellow Starthistle Invasive Control Work Proves To Be Successful

9/8/2023

Non-native plant and invasive species, the Yellow Starthistle

Irvine Ranch Conservancy and its partners are constantly working to prevent the spread of non-native plants and invasive species that threaten the ecosystem on the Landmarks, one of which is yellow starthistle. Over the last 6 years, the Invasive Control team has been working hard to reduce the yellow starthistle population at two particular areas in the northern portion of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. So far, their efforts have been successful, indicated by a significant decrease in plants at one site and a near eradication of plants at the other.

This non-native plant is a serious emerging invasive species with spiny, yellow flowers and leaves extending down the stem that gives a winged appearance. Because yellow starthistle propagates rapidly and reproduces very quickly, with tens of thousands of seeds annually, the plant can spread fast and cause issues like crowding out native plant species, depleting soil moisture reserves, decreasing biodiversity, and creating a less resilient natural community.

Beat The Heat: Morning and Evening Activities to Get Outside on a Hot Day

8/30/2023

After Work Fitness Hike on Paved Hicks Haul Road.

Another heat wave is hitting Orange County with temperatures expected to climb over 100 degrees. With the excessive heat during the day, it’s hard to find an enjoyable and safe time to get outside. While people are urged to take precautions when going outdoors in this kind of heat, it is still possible to enjoy time out of the house. A few ways to do that include visiting coastal areas where temperatures are usually cooler than inland areas, participating in water activities where you can remain cool and scheduling outdoor activities for the early morning or evening.

If you are looking for ways to opt outside, Irvine Ranch Conservancy volunteers lead multiple guided activities in the early morning and the evening where you can sign up and join. Some of the morning activities coming up include a Sunrise Hike in Fremont Canyon starting at 6:30 a.m. on September 5, a Summer Yoga Morning Hike at Quail Hill starting at 7:30 a.m. on September 8 or an Early Morning Hike at 7:15 a.m. in Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park on September 11.

The 3rd Annual Fire Ecology Internship Returns Welcoming Local High School Students to Apply!

8/23/2023

High school interns researching wildfire impacts on cacti in Limestone Canyon.

Once again, Irvine Ranch Conservancy (IRC) is partnering with Crystal Cove Conservancy and Crystal Cove State Park, for their Fire Ecology Internship this 2023-2024 academic school year and is inviting young aspiring scientists to apply! This internship program will provide local high school students with hands-on scientific research experience through collaboration with land managers and researchers to better understand the impact of wildfires on ecosystems and open spaces throughout Orange County.

The program will include seven online sessions and six field trips taking place from October through the end of May that are designed to cover all steps of scientific research. Students will study the impact of wildfires and their frequency as well as reflect on the relationship between fire, the landscape and how humans and non-human organisms play a role in wildfires and their aftermath. Students will craft pointed scientific questions, design protocol, collect data from various sites across Orange County, work with professional researchers in the field, analyze and organize data and present their findings at the end of the program.

Landmark Spotlight: Crystal Cove State Park

8/15/2023

Tidepools at Crystal Cove State Park

Located off the Pacific Coast Highway between Corona del Mar and Laguna Beach sits 3.5 miles of beach and nearly 2,800 acres of protected habitat known as Crystal Cove State Park. The park contains tidepools, sandy coves, wooded canyons, bluffs and backcountry and is known as one of Orange County's largest remaining examples of open space and natural seashore.

Crystal Cove State Park is located in an Area of Special Biological Significance (ASBS), meaning the area supports an unusual variety of aquatic life and can host unique individual species. Within the State Water Quality Protection Areas, the ASBS are basic building blocks for a sustainable, resilient coastal environment and economy.

IRC Partners with City of Irvine to Restore Bommer Canyon Preserve

8/7/2023

A nature enthusiast exploring Bommer Canyon Preserve

The City of Irvine (COI) was recently awarded a $1 million grant from SB 170, the state budget bill, at the request of Assemblymember Petrie-Norris, to help reduce the risk of wildfire by restoring a heavily visited 49-acre portion of Bommer Canyon Preserve, which will also enhance habitat quality for wildlife. The City of Irvine chose to partner with Irvine Ranch Conservancy (IRC) to execute this project, the initial phase of which will be completed in March 2026.

The area, located south of Shady Canyon Drive, has been overrun with non-native grasses and weeds, which dry up and can readily ignite, posing a fire hazard to neighboring communities and wildlife. The goal of this project is to replace highly flammable non-native vegetation with less flammable native vegetation. The project design will include natural fuel breaks of native riparian vegetation along drainageways interspersed with upland scrub habitat. Although native scrub can also ignite, this vegetation stays green later in the year. This could mean a shortened fire season that starts in September instead of as early as April. An added benefit is that native oak and elderberry trees will also be added to provide shade to the exposed sections of Bommer Meadow Trail.

The project will commence in August 2023 with fence installation, mowing, and installation of an irrigation system to accelerate the “grow & kill” cycles needed to deplete weed seeds in the soil. Although irrigation is not usually an option for landscape-scale restoration in remote areas, the location of this project on the urban edge makes it feasible, and IRC has sought input from Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD) on the irrigation design and implementation. When the site is seeded in October 2025, irrigation will also be used to ensure establishment of the desired vegetation of native trees, shrubs, and wildflowers. Although the initial phase of the project will officially conclude in March 2026, IRC will likely continue to manage the site on behalf of the City of Irvine for five years to ensure the restored vegetation is truly sustainable.

To learn more about IRC’s ongoing restoration efforts, visit IRConservancy.org, LetsGoOutside.org or follow the Landmarks on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Saddleback Wilderness

8/2/2023

Views from Saddleback Wilderness trails, courtesy of OC Parks.

Located within OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, the new Saddleback Wilderness trail system offers visitors incredible 360-degree views of Orange County, sweeping from the mountains to the Pacific Ocean.

Recently opened in April for guided activities, Saddleback Wilderness is situated at the site of Saddleback Park, America’s first off-road motorsports park established in the 1960s. The trail system now features 3.3 miles of new trails for hiking, biking and equestrian use, ranging from easy to moderate difficulty. The Saddleback Staging Area offers guests picnic tables, portable toilets and parking for vehicles and horse trailers.

World Nature Conservation Day

7/24/2023

Orange County's open space.

Awareness about environmental conservation is a topic that has increasingly gained traction in recent years, but there is still more to do. As ambassadors of nature conservation, Irvine Ranch Conservancy (IRC) is proud to support the celebration of World Nature Conservation Day.

World Nature Conservation Day (WNCD), recognized annually on July 28th, serves as a reminder that natural resources and a healthy environment must be preserved to maintain the well-being of our planet and the stability of society. The degradation of natural resources has led to shifts in weather patterns, a major decrease in natural biodiversity, and the disruption and destruction of wildlife habitats and species. WNCD and IRC share a united goal of protecting plant and animal species that face the threat of extinction, as well as keeping various components of nature such as flora, fauna, energy resources, soil, water and air intact.

Landmark Spotlight: Buck Gully Reserve

7/18/2023

City of Newport Beach's Buck Gully Reserve

The Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks span across nearly 40,000 acres of land that stretches from the mountains to the sea in Orange County. Among the many beautiful areas within this vast open space is an area considered to be one of the “seven wonders” of the Landmarks, the natural, coastal canyon known as Buck Gully Reserve.

Buck Gully Reserve, an Orange County hidden gem, is a canyon that runs through and is owned by the City of Newport Beach. Buck Gully Reserve offers visitors the chance to explore 300 acres of lush wilderness and take in some of the best ocean views in Newport Beach. Open daily from dawn to dusk, the Reserve is home to a variety of native plant species. The natural stream that runs through Buck Gully Reserve is a year-round water source that supports the riparian and coastal sage scrub plant communities and attracts native wildlife such as rabbits, bobcats, coyotes, and a wide range of birds.

Plant Profile: Arroyo Lupine

7/7/2023

The Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks are home to an abundant variety of flora that cover the Landmarks, including the vibrant sight of the arroyo lupine. Known by the scientific name of lupinus succulentus, and a member of the Pea family, this annual wildflower has dense spikes of sweetly fragrant flowers that typically have a purple-blue hue. Arroyo lupine can be found throughout California, as well as Arizona and Baja California.

Arroyo lupine plants grow in a variety of different habitats, including the chaparral and coastal sage scrub habitats found on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. Due to the tremendous amount of precipitation this past year, these colorful wildflowers have been growing in abundance throughout Orange County. But beware, people and pets should never eat the leaves, stems, seeds or roots of this plant as all parts of an arroyo lupine are toxic.

Evening Activities on the Landmarks

7/6/2023

After Work Fitness Hike on Paved Hicks Haul Road.

Longer days and warmer nights mean that summer is officially here and there’s no better place to celebrate than the great outdoors! With several areas, trails and activities to choose from, Irvine Ranch Conservancy and its partners and volunteers offer a number of evening activities that are the perfect way to beat the heat and take in sweeping sunset views.

The Evening Hike: Fremont Canyon activity offers a scenic and fast-paced hike in the remote Fremont Canyon Nature Preserve on Friday, July 14 from 5:15 - 8:15 p.m. This hike climbs steeply past an abandoned coal mine and up to the Fremont Weather Station, where winds have been clocked at up to 100 mph.

IRC Wishes You a Safe & Happy 4th of July!

6/27/2023

Orange County Fire Watch will deploy for the 4th of July holiday.

The 4th of July is just around the corner which means it’s time to soak up the sun outdoors, BBQ with family and friends, and enjoy festive fireworks lighting up the night sky. Since fireworks are often synonymous with the 4th of July, it’s important to remember the large risk that fireworks can pose to people, pets, homes and native wildlands.

Southern California experienced more rain this past year than in years past, resulting in lots of vegetation growth. While most of the native plants are still retaining moisture, many invasive plants, like annual grasses, have already dried out and are vulnerable to wildfire ignitions. Fireworks, outdoor grills, lawnmowers, and sparks from vehicles along roadways could all cause a wildfire. We encourage everyone to celebrate responsibly this Independence Day.

Crystal Cove Conservancy Fire Ecology Internship Partnership

6/22/2023

Student field day in OC Parks' Limestone Canyon.

Over the last three years, Irvine Ranch Conservancy (IRC) has partnered with Crystal Cove Conservancy (CCC) and Crystal Cove State Park on a Fire Ecology Internship program with local high school students in Orange County. As CCC prioritizes environmental education while IRC prioritized fire prevention and management, they decided to combine resources toward the shared goal of enhancing awareness about fire prevention and train a new generation of conservation scientists.

Now in its third year, the program allows high school students to explore Crystal Cove State Park and inland open space areas owned by OC Parks that are managed by IRC and study the impacts of fire throughout the county. In previous years, the interns focused on the general impact of fires and the impacts of different fire frequencies throughout the Nature Reserve of Orange County. As the program began just before the 2020 Silverado and Bond Fires, the first round of student interns were able to study the immediate impacts of the fires. The most recent cohort developed research questions focused on the impact of fires on the coastal cactus wren, a species of special concern that heavily relies on dense thickets of cactus for nesting.

<<Previous

Wildlife Spotlight: Mule Deer

Landmarks Spotlight: Gypsum Canyon Wilderness

Irvine Ranch Conservancy Giving Thanks

Trail Hardening Project Within Buck Gully Reserve

Invasive Plant Profile: Stinkwort

Contribute to Native Seed Farm and Support Orange County's Native Wildlands

Wildlife Spotlight: Tarantula Hawk

Landmarks Spotlight: Buck Gully

The Importance of Wildfire Preparedness

PSA: Staying on Designated Trails While Exploring the Native Wildlands of Orange County

Irvine Ranch Conservancy Partners with Delhi Center to Bring New Opportunities to Local Youth

Butterfly Habitat Restoration Continues In Limestone Canyon With New Adaptive Management Techniques

Spadefoot Toad Pond Restoration Project Sees Success

Irvine Ranch Conservancy’s Yellow Starthistle Invasive Control Work Proves To Be Successful

Beat The Heat: Morning and Evening Activities to Get Outside on a Hot Day

The 3rd Annual Fire Ecology Internship Returns Welcoming Local High School Students to Apply!

Landmark Spotlight: Crystal Cove State Park

IRC Partners with City of Irvine to Restore Bommer Canyon Preserve

Saddleback Wilderness

World Nature Conservation Day

Landmark Spotlight: Buck Gully Reserve

Plant Profile: Arroyo Lupine

Evening Activities on the Landmarks

IRC Wishes You a Safe & Happy 4th of July!

Crystal Cove Conservancy Fire Ecology Internship Partnership

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