Blog Archives

All About 'The Sinks'

4/24/2015

A picturesque, natural sandstone formation in Limestone Canyon has become a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

In the southern portion of OC Parks’ Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve sits “The Sinks,” a striking geological formation consisting of dramatically exposed and layered sandstone cliffs. The raised viewing platform that overlooks an impressive view of The Sinks has become a popular destination for explorers of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. While the beauty of The Sinks is instantly understood by all who visit, the history of the formation is millions of years in the making

Eat Your Way through the History of the Landmarks

4/17/2015

Learn about the many ways humans have used native plants throughout history.

On Saturday, April 25, you can celebrate the week of Earth Day by joining Irvine Ranch Conservancy volunteer naturalists for “Celebrate Cultures in Nature: Native American Flora Uses.” This informative and family-friendly hike will take place in the Baker Canyon area of OC Parks’ Black Star Wilderness Park, and visitors will have the chance to sample treats similar to the native plants people have been eating over the centuries.

During a short hike in Baker Canyon, docents will discuss how early settlers of the area survived and thrived on what nature has to offer. The trained naturalists will point out native plants along the trail and discuss how each species has been used in various ways over the years. Before the hike, participants can sample various natural treats that could have been harvested entirely from ingredients provided by local plants. While no actual plant ingredients can or will be taken from the protected wildlands, participants can see how similar ingredients from plants farmed elsewhere are still used in items you may find in your local grocery store.

Be a Friend to a Cactus Wren

4/10/2015

Coastal cactus wren photo courtesy of Irvine Open Space Patrol Officer Dave Gibbs.

Simple activities like weeding and watering make a big impact on healthy habitat.

Birds make nests in all kinds of places. Some carefully arrange sticks and twigs up high in the branches of tall trees. Others make nests out of mud or nest right on the ground. The coastal cactus wren (Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus sandiegensis) makes its home in patches of old-growth prickly pear cactus, which protects it from predators and the elements. Recent fires and past land uses have diminished the number of mature cactus stands in the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks, so local organizations are working to bring back coastal cactus wren habitat – and you can help.

Getting Students in Touch with Nature

4/3/2015

Local students get the opportunity to help with habitat restoration projects through a partnership between the City of Irvine’s Youth Action Team and Irvine Ranch Conservancy.

As kids are more likely to look at a smart phone screen than a sunset these days, it’s harder to ensure that the next generation has an appreciation for local wilderness and open space. In the City of Irvine, a youth-oriented volunteer program is helping by encouraging kids to be environmentally-aware and give back to nature.

The Middle School Youth Action Team program is “an after-school community service based program where students have an opportunity to be actively involved in their community,” according to the city’s website, and one of the areas of volunteer focus is the environment. This group has partnered with Irvine Ranch Conservancy to provide local teens a way to give back and learn about preserving and restoring local wildlife habitat.

Why Excess Water in Buck Gully is Bad News for Conservation

4/3/2015

Irrigation water flowing into Buck Gully is a waste of fresh water and erodes hillsides and trails.

When you see water flowing from someone’s landscaping and down the rain gutter, it’s a sign that too much water is being used. While certainly wasteful, this excess irrigation water may seem pretty harmless to the surrounding environment. You might even suspect that neighboring wildlands benefit when runoff flows into them. More water for thirsty plants and animals, right? However, the damage it does to nearby canyons becomes clear when you hit the trails.

Restoring Habitat Across the Landmarks

4/3/2015

Landowners and partner groups are restoring hundreds of acres of open space wildlife habitat.

There are hundreds of acres of habitat restoration projects currently underway across the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. Restoring native habitat at a large scale is a challenge but is the most effective means of improving long-term habitat health in areas overrun by weeds. Many different landowners and partner groups perform habitat restoration projects, and there are many opportunities for the public to get involved. On behalf of landowners such as OC Parks, City of Irvine and City of Newport Beach, as well as agencies such as Orange County Transportation Authority, Irvine Ranch Conservancy currently manages nearly 200 acres of active habitat restoration, ranging in intensity from sites that need two years of site preparation, seeding, transplanting and site maintenance to sites with some existing native vegetation that just need weed control. Here are details for some of those projects:

All About 'The Sinks'

Eat Your Way through the History of the Landmarks

Be a Friend to a Cactus Wren

Getting Students in Touch with Nature

Why Excess Water in Buck Gully is Bad News for Conservation

Restoring Habitat Across the Landmarks

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