Blog Archives

Catch Sight of Birds Weathering the Winter

1/29/2016

White-tailed kite photo courtesy of David Furseth

Despite colder weather, there are still plenty of opportunities for bird-watchers visiting the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks.

Many animals might hibernate for the winter, but this season can be prime bird-watching time for those in the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. While birds don’t have to contend with blizzards or snowstorms here, they do employ certain tactics to handle the colder-than-normal temperatures of winter. Avoiding wind and roosting away in small, heat-enclosing spaces are common behaviors exhibited this season, according to The Cornell Lab of Ornithology, which studies birds and other wildlife. But our feathered friends also battle the cold by hanging out in large flocks for greater protection and eating as much as possible – activities that could keep them out and about (and easier to spot) to the delight of avian enthusiasts.

Not Too Late for New Year’s Resolutions

1/22/2016

Limestone Canyon photo courtesy of Irvine Ranch Conservancy volunteer Alex Gurrola.

Whether it’s staying fit, giving back to community or spending time with the family, give your New Year’s resolution a second wind at the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks.

Already slipping on your New Year’s resolutions? You may find the solution out on the trails.

A study by Franklin Covey showed that 35 percent of people will have already broken those commendable promises by the end of January. If you’re at risk for joining that group, let the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks give your New Year’s resolution a second wind. Year after year, the most popular resolutions include getting healthy, trying something new, giving back to the community, and spending more time with the family; whichever of these resonate with you most, there’s an activity outdoors that can help you still make 2016 your best year yet.

Spreading Weeding Success

1/15/2016

An Irvine Ranch Conservancy volunteer weeds artichoke thistle.

Volunteers help native plants and wildlife return to Quail Hill Loop.

Though artichoke thistle may look attractive with its bright purple flower, there is no questioning this weed’s destructive nature to the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. Its aggressive root system and rapid leaf growth steals light, water and nutrients from native plants. Each plant can also produce tens of thousands of seeds per year that are blown by wind or hitchhike on animals. If left unchecked, artichoke thistle can quickly spread across a landscape, displacing native plant diversity in its path. The artichoke thistle is one of the worst threats to natural habitat within the City of Irvine Open Space Preserve’s Quail Hill.

Partnership Saves Decades-Old Cactus Plants

1/1/2016

Organizations work together to relocate mature plants to habitat restoration sites.

Did you know that our local coast prickly pear cactus is both a slow grower and a critical component of wildlife habitat? These iconic plants with their large, flat pads and colorful blooms can take a decade to grow just a couple of feet high. Yet mature-growth cactus is the primary nesting site for the coastal cactus wren, a species of special conservation concern in Southern California.

So when residential development was set to begin in the hills near Irvine, a unique partnership among the developer, land manager and conservation groups resulted in more than 100 mature plants being saved and relocated to nature preserve areas within the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. Not only did this project save plants that were estimated to be 30 years old, the relocated cactus enhanced habitat for the coastal cactus wren in habitat restoration areas.

New Loop Trail is Both Simple and Breathtaking

1/1/2016

The Mesa Loop Trail opens for docent-led activities and spectacular plateau views.

There’s an area in OC Parks’ Black Star Canyon that locals call “the Mesa,” and it certainly lives up to its name. Standing at the top of the Library Trail along the Mesa Loop, you can take in a 360° view that includes Black Star Canyon, Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve, and Cleveland National Forest. Beginning in January, visitors can check out this view for themselves during a variety of docent-led activities provided by OC Parks and led by Irvine Ranch Conservancy.

Events kick off Tuesday, Jan. 19, with Quick Cardio on the Mesa, where visitors can explore the sights and smells of coastal sagebrush and the vista of the canyons while getting a workout in. Additional programs tailored to different interests ensure there are a variety of ways to connect to the land, including Twilight Trek on the Mesa on Friday, Jan. 22, for night owls; family-focused activities such as Morning on the Mesa Loop Family Hike on Saturday, Feb. 13; and even Art on the Landmarks for those seeking inspiration from nature. There is a new program to enjoy on the Mesa Loop nearly every week throughout the winter, and you can register for them at www.LetsGoOutside.org/activities.

Giving Newcomers to Nature Education and Exploration

1/1/2016

New programs provide visitors with some extra guidance at Wilderness Access Days.

Wilderness Access Days have always been a great way for beginners to connect with Orange County’s only National Natural Landmark, allowing folks to independently explore nature while knowing that highly trained volunteers were on hand throughout the trail system to help along the way. Now, newcomers to nature looking for even more expert guidance can get the most out of their time on the trails through new guided walks available at every Wilderness Access Day.

Catch Sight of Birds Weathering the Winter

Not Too Late for New Year’s Resolutions

Spreading Weeding Success

Partnership Saves Decades-Old Cactus Plants

New Loop Trail is Both Simple and Breathtaking

Giving Newcomers to Nature Education and Exploration

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