Blog Archives

Life as a Seed: Harvest, Plant, Grow, Repeat

2/27/2015

Seeds used in habitat restoration on much of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks are set up for success by using a “go local” approach.

Landscape-scale habitat restoration over hundreds of acres starts small-scale, with the seed. One seed planted will hopefully become a mature plant producing many more seeds, in turn becoming many more healthy plants. Active habitat restoration is all about making that first seed as successful as possible, and Irvine Ranch Conservancy scientists have developed a strategy to give as many successful seeds as possible back to the land. Their success weighs in at more than 600 pounds of farmed seed each year.

Tiny Pest Means Big Trouble for Oak Trees

2/20/2015

An invasive beetle found in local oak trees was likely brought to Orange County in firewood.

The tiny Goldspotted Oak Borer has killed tens of thousands of mature oak trees in San Diego County since it was first identified there in 2004. Recently, this destructive pest was found in the Weir Canyon area of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks, and local agencies are working quickly to isolate the infestation and prevent a similar tragedy here in Orange County.

The beetle infestation was found in 56 mature oak trees in a remote area of Weir Canyon. Of those infested, 20 were cut down and removed due to heavy infestation. OC Parks is working with Irvine Ranch Conservancy to treat and preserve the health of the rest of the affected coast live oak trees. Both groups are also working with OCFA, University of California Cooperative Extension, and state and federal fire agencies to develop a response plan in case the Goldspotted Oak Borer is found again in Orange County.

Celebrating the Chinese New Year in Nature

2/13/2015

Learn about the Chinese New Year during an ongoing series that examines how various world cultures relate to nature.

Next week marks the Spring Festival, or Chinese New Year – a celebration marking the first days of the new lunar calendar year. As the “Year of the Horse” comes to a close, learn about Chinese Zodiac animal signs and their meanings during Thursday’s Celebrating Cultures in Nature—Chinese New Year event.

Join Irvine Ranch Conservancy volunteer naturalists in OC Parks’ Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve for an informative and family-friendly hike as they discuss the Chinese New Year and the traits of the various animals that represent a given year.

Big Changes in Big Canyon

2/6/2015

Ongoing habitat restoration efforts in the Big Canyon area near Upper Newport Bay have brought many improvements, and there are big plans there for the future.

Since August of 2013, big things have been going on in Big Canyon, one of several large tributaries of the Upper Newport Bay. The City of Newport Beach initiated a habitat restoration project led by Irvine Ranch Conservancy, which has so far resulted in enhanced aesthetics of the canyon, a healthier balance of native flora and fauna, and an improved experience for those who visit.

The project has been a true community effort, with about 15 volunteer programs held in the past two years. The nature reserve area also benefits from nearby restoration projects led by the Newport Bay Conservancy and the Coastal Commission’s ROOTS program, supporting the overall health of greater Newport Bay.

Life as a Seed: Harvest, Plant, Grow, Repeat

Tiny Pest Means Big Trouble for Oak Trees

Celebrating the Chinese New Year in Nature

Big Changes in Big Canyon

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