Landmarks Blog

Share the Love Outdoors This Valentine's Weekend

2/13/2020

Celebrate love on the Landmarks this weekend

Celebrate love all weekend long this Valentine’s Day while exploring the charming beauty of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks! Change up your Valentine’s Day tradition this weekend with an outdoor adventure and Irvine Ranch Conservancy’s full calendar of activities for all to enjoy. Whether it’s with your significant other, family, or friends, there is lots to love outdoors!

Enjoy the winter sunshine with your valentine and take a morning hike through the Natural Landmarks! The diverse flora and fauna throughout the open spaces create the perfect romantic touch for your outdoor adventure. Take your loved one for a refreshing hike through the 1.8-mile Quail Hill Loop Trail, open daily for self-guided tours.

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New Restoration Project Will Help Maintain Oak Woodlands in Limestone Canyon

2/6/2020

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Oaks in Limestone Canyon

Since 2005, Irvine Ranch Conservancy has made it their mission to preserve and restore natural habitats found throughout the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. With their newest restoration project, Irvine Ranch Conservancy staff and volunteers will plant 500 acorn seedlings at the Augustine Staging Area Nursery in Limestone Canyon that will be used to maintain vital oak woodland habitats.

The acorns collected by the Conservancy are sourced locally from oak trees throughout the area, giving them a greater chance of success due to acclimation to local climate and soil. After the acorns are collected, they will then be planted at the Augustine Nursery, where staff and volunteers will assist in tending and growing the acorns to seedlings until they are ready for planting. Restoration projects such as this allow Irvine Ranch Conservancy to expand its work of restoring habitats that support local wildlife and plant species.

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Celebrate Groundhog Day with Restoration Activities on the Landmarks

1/30/2020

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Young volunteers helping at the Native Seed Farm

As February 2nd approaches, people across the U.S. await the season’s forecast from Punxsutawney Phil to see if we will experience six more weeks of winter or an early spring. Starting in the 1880s, Groundhog Day has become an annual winter tradition complete with a full ceremony in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania.

While those living in colder climates might pay more attention to the tradition, residents of Orange County don’t have to worry too much about Phil’s prediction. The brisk cool temperatures and sunny skies make for easy winters in Orange County and an ideal time to help restore and protect native habitats. The wet winter months across the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks can bring much needed rainfall that leads to lush greenery throughout the open spaces.

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Landmark Focus: Explore Historic Bommer Canyon

1/22/2020

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A family hike in Bommer Canyon

The City of Irvine’s Open Space Preserve is home to a historically rich landmark known as Bommer Canyon. With over 4,000 acres of land, Bommer Canyon extends across tall sycamore groves to rough rock outcrops. Bommer Canyon’s vibrant nature and extensive history attracts walkers, hikers and nature enthusiasts for a spectacular outdoor experience!

Since 2005, Irvine Ranch Conservancy has been managing Bommer Canyon for the City of Irvine by restoring the natural habitat and developing community programs for visitors to enjoy. The land in Bommer Canyon was acquired in the early 1800’s by a man named Don Jose Sepulveda. In 1864, the land was then sold to Flint Bixby & Co. and their silent partner, James Irvine. Soon after, Irvine bought out his partners and took ownership of the land that became known as Rancho San Joaquin, Rancho Los Lomas de Santiago, Rancho Santiago de Santa Ana and eventually Bommer Canyon.

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Boost Your Health While Connecting with Nature

1/15/2020

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A study finds spending time in nature has numerous health benefits

Research is growing about the positive health benefits of spending more time outdoors. From exercise to simply being in a natural setting, spending time outdoors enhances your overall well-being. Instead of watching and playing on your digital screens, head outdoors and renew your energy by connecting with nature. The Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks has nearly 40,000 acres of space to explore with plenty of scheduled and docent-led activities to suit all interests and abilities.

In a recent article published by the Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies, researchers found that people who spent two hours a week in green spaces, such as parks or other natural environments, were more likely to report good health and psychological well-being than those who don’t. Nature has robust positive effects on various areas of people’s health and is associated with physical, mental and emotional benefits.

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Share the Love Outdoors This Valentine's Weekend

New Restoration Project Will Help Maintain Oak Woodlands in Limestone Canyon

Celebrate Groundhog Day with Restoration Activities on the Landmarks

Landmark Focus: Explore Historic Bommer Canyon

Boost Your Health While Connecting with Nature

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