Blog Archives

Beyond Hiking and Biking

2/28/2014

There are many ways to enjoy local wilderness, with benefits for your body and soul.

While hiking is a familiar way to enjoy the outdoors, there are other activities like trail running or habitat restoration which offer a new and different way to experience the land. Expanding your outdoor activities is a great way to get fit while enjoying the natural world.

Sticking to sidewalks or the track can become boring for runners. Luckily, the numerous trails in the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks offer a variety of alternatives. Those who are new to trail running may find it best to start on wider, flatter trains to build up muscles needed for balance. There are several regional and wilderness parks in the OC Parks system that have trails perfect for the novice trail runner. Good examples include Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park and Irvine Regional Park. The beachside wilderness trails at Crystal Cove State Park are also a good choice.

Get Serious About Outdoor Playtime

2/21/2014

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Outdoor education activities bring fun to learning about local wilderness.

Standing along a trail holding a basketball may not seem like a lesson in astronomy, but to make outdoor education fun, naturalists use unconventional techniques. A series of activities developed by Irvine Ranch Conservancy in partnership with the City of Irvine helps to make lessons about nature more relevant to kids, and help them understand the natural world around them.

These programs are intended to introduce kids of all ages to the significance of Orange County’s only National Natural Landmark.

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Helping Mother Nature Along in the Landmarks

2/14/2014

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Volunteers needed to water native plant seedlings during epic drought conditions.

This winter has been one of the driest in California’s history. While native plants in the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks have evolved to survive occasional droughts, recently planted seedlings in restoration project areas across the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks are vulnerable due to the lack of rain. OC Parks and the Irvine Ranch Conservancy are seeking volunteers to help, and an upcoming activity in Limestone Canyon will help reopen the Dripping Springs trail.

Dripping Springs trail is being converted from an old ranch road into a single-track trail. The spring itself is one of two year-round fresh water sources in Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve that supports many plants and animals. “Providing a clear path for hiking as well as better cover for wildlife are the ultimate goals for the Dripping Springs trail,” said Irvine Ranch Conservancy Stewardship Coordinator Brittany Mendelsohn. “Since planting, we have spotted lots of deer and even a few bobcats, and there are always animal tracks on the trail.”

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Love is in the Air and in the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks!

2/7/2014

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Show your love for the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks this Valentine's Day.

Days are getting longer, spring is on the way and love is in the air. Valentine’s Day must be getting near. Instead of dinner and a movie or the usual chocolates, do something different this year and spend time with loved ones outdoors.

Enjoy an evening hike under the full moon this Valentine’s Day. The City of Irvine has partnered with Irvine Ranch Conservancy to host a “Full Moon Hike – Bommer Canyon” on February 14. Full moon hikes are extremely popular as participants can experience the Irvine Open Space at night when trails are usually closed. The activity is on Friday from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and is open to all over the age of 8.

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Beyond Hiking and Biking

Get Serious About Outdoor Playtime

Helping Mother Nature Along in the Landmarks

Love is in the Air and in the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks!

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