Blog Archives

Helping Wildflowers Flourish on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks

2/27/2019

Bush sunflower in Limestone Canyon

Irvine Ranch Conservancy’s Native Seed Farm helps wildflowers bloom across the Landmarks

Spring hasn’t sprung just yet, but signs of the coming season are already appearing across the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. With the abundance of rain this year and Southern California sunshine, wildflowers are already beginning to bloom, bringing pops of color to Orange County. Irvine Ranch Conservancy staff and volunteers do their part in helping wildflowers flourish through restorative efforts on the Irvine Ranch Conservancy Native Seed Farm.

The Native Seed Farm has two goals: give the local community a way to connect with the land and provide a reliable source of quality plant material for restoration projects. The 14-acre farm is a sustainable way for the Conservancy to help restore thousands of acres of native habitat throughout the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. Certified staff and volunteers are key to the operation of the Native Seed Farm, helping to grow and tend to a custom mix of native plants like wildflowers, then harvesting the seed for use on the Landmarks.

The Secret Life of Animals, Captured on Camera

2/21/2019

Mountain lions on camera

Irvine Ranch Conservancy’s wildlife monitoring cameras help experts study local animals and habitats on the Landmarks

Whether we know it or not, the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks are home to a large and diverse population of wildlife habitats. On any given day, animals such as deer, mountain lions, bobcats, gray foxes, coyotes, owls, hawks and more are roaming the Landmarks. Irvine Ranch Conservancy experts are able to keep a close watch on these species and their natural habitats with the help of wildlife monitoring cameras.

In order to help monitor the health, movements, and populations of wildlife on the Landmarks, Irvine Ranch Conservancy staff has strategically placed a network of heat and motion-triggered remote cameras throughout the wildlands. These camera traps are serviced every two weeks by trained volunteers, who then collect the memory cards to be sorted and observed for unusual activity, injured or ill wildlife, and any trends or seasonal cycles.

Learn on the Landmarks with Interpretive Programming

2/14/2019

A hike for all ages

Interpretive programs help visitors connect with nature through unique experiences

If you’re looking to learn more about local Orange County habitats, then look no further and check out the interpretive activities offered by Irvine Ranch Conservancy and its partners. You’ve probably noticed the different categories while browsing activities on LetsGoOutside.org, and might have been left wondering what exactly an interpretive activity is. Interpretive activities are designed to focus on helping visitors enjoy their time outdoors, while also learning about nature. Led by Irvine Ranch Conservancy volunteers, some interpretive activities are interactive while others are more of an educational discussion. No matter what you’re interested in, there’s bound to be an interpretive activity for you!

Have you ever wondered what happens on the Landmarks when the sun goes down? Irvine Ranch Conservancy Full Moon Hikes give hikers the chance to experience the trails after sunset, taking in the night sounds and smells under moonlight, while discussing the night sky. These popular hikes are for a range of different ages, so be sure to check the difficulty rating before signing up.

Share the Love This Valentine's Day with Irvine Ranch Conservancy

2/7/2019

Enjoying the view in Fremont Canyon

Spend time exploring the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks with your loved ones

Give the gift of nature this Valentine’s Day and spend quality time outdoors with the ones who matter most to you. Surprise that special someone, or your friends and family, with an outdoor adventure. Together you can explore the native wildlife as the wildflowers begin to bloom and animals become more active. With Irvine Ranch Conservancy’s full calendar of activities, you can switch up your traditional Valentine’s Day plans and experience the beauty of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks.

Take date night outdoors with one of the many evening hikes that let you explore the landmarks one trail at a time. The Orchard Hills Evening Hike explores the Orchard Hills Loop trail as it meanders around an avocado orchard on the edge of the Irvine Ranch Open Space Preserve. You and your loved one can take in the sights, as this hike provides fantastic ridge-top views of Irvine and the Pacific Coastline. Another evening hike to enjoy together is the After Work Fitness Hike on Paved Hicks Haul Road. This fitness-focused hike allows you to watch the sunset with panoramic views of the Orange County horizon.

Helping Wildflowers Flourish on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks

The Secret Life of Animals, Captured on Camera

Learn on the Landmarks with Interpretive Programming

Share the Love This Valentine's Day with Irvine Ranch Conservancy

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