​Whether you are looking to be active, give back to the local community, or spend time with friends and family, Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks has you covered
 
Based on the influx of gym attendees in the month of January, it’s safe to say that one of the most popular New Year’s resolutions is to exercise more and get in shape. If exercising in a crowded gym isn’t your ideal workout, then try getting outside and exploring this year, while getting fit! Whether you’re looking to burn off those holiday treats or simply be more active, the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks can provide you with an outdoor alternative to the traditional gym workout.
 
With nearly 40,000 acres of open space on the historic Irvine Ranch and a wide variety of activities each year including hiking, biking, equestrian, restoration programs and more, visitors can choose their own outdoor adventure and stay on track with their New Year’s resolutions. Whether you prefer an early morning bike ride or an evening hike, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

UCI Center for Environmental Biology oak monitoring survey helps research and preserve natural oak woodlands in Orange County
 
Oaks are an important part of the California ecosystem and are considered to be one of the state’s major types of vegetation. To most people, it might just be another tree, but oaks are considered to be a foundation species, in the sense that their presence defines and supports an entire ecological community. Oak woodlands are their own important habitat, providing crucial shelter, foraging opportunities, and watershed protection, along with enhancing the aesthetic value of the California landscape. Whether we know it or not, oak woodlands are right in our backyard. Oak woodlands in Orange County consist almost entirely of Coast Live Oak, an evergreen tree that extends up and down the California coast.
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Over the years, these woodlands have been considered at-risk due largely to habitat conversion by humans, which has reduced the trees to 50% of their historical range or less. Other factors in the decline of oak woodlands in California are competition with non-native species, cattle grazing, drought, and new pathogens. One example of a new pathogen that has affected Coast Live Oaks in Orange County is the Goldspotted Oak Borer. This particular pest is native to Arizona and was first identified in California in 2004, but was not linked to extensive oak mortality until 2008. 

Restoration efforts on the Landmarks to create highly functional and resilient ecosystems
 
Nearly 40,000 acres of land preserved on the historic Irvine Ranch have been designated as a Natural Landmark.  This land contains important natural habitats, sensitive species, such as the California Gnatcatcher and Coastal Cactus Wren, and unusual geological formations. It is home to countless plants and animals as well as rocks and fossils, chronicling back nearly 80 million years.
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However, many natural areas in our modern world need management to keep them wild and beautiful. In southern California in particular, threats such as increased fire frequency, invasive species, overuse, and a large surrounding urban population have all impacted our Natural Landmarks. As a result, over 18,000 acres of land are considered highly degraded and in need of restoration.

In the fall, birds really do "fly south for the winter." Luckily the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks are far enough south that a large variety of migratory birds make their way here each year and stay for the winter.  After spending the spring and summer further north, they return to ride out the cold months in Southern California’s balmy Mediterranean climate.
 
According to The Cornell University Lab of Ornithology, "birds migrate to move from areas of low or decreasing resources to areas of high or increasing resources. The two primary resources being sought are food and nesting locations."

​After a rigorous review of the biological and geological significance of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks in 2006, the land was designated as a National Natural Landmark by the National Park Service.  A similar review in 2008 led to the land being designated as the first ever State Natural Landmark.  These designations honor and highlight the diversity and rarity of the plants and animals that call the landmarks home, as well as the unique geological makeup of the land.  However, these designations don’t provide formal protections for the land.  For that, we can thank a patchwork of conservation plans and easements put in place, piece by piece, over time to protect the land forever.