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Want to See Wildlife in the Summer? Look Down.

5/25/2012

 
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You’ve heard that every picture tells a story – along the trails of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks, every paw print tells a story. While many mammals avoid daylight hours in the summer, you can follow their activities by “reading” the tracks they leave behind. Irvine Ranch Conservancy docents and volunteers receive training from expert trackers, so every hike can become a tracking hike if you just look down.

In summer months, wildlife may constrain the bulk of their activities to twilight, just around sunrise and sunset. Coyotes especially will come out around sunset to yip and play together as a pack, like friends getting together at the end of a work day. These communication noises are often heard on evening or sunset open space activities during the summer, and evidence of these meetings can be seen on early morning programs as well. 


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Restoration Project Yields Flowers Not Seen in OC in 50 Years

5/25/2012

 
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OCTA recently approved grant funding for expansion of successful project on West Loma Ridge.

The last time the Great Valley phacelia was spotted in Orange County, John F. Kennedy was president. Now, an Irvine Ranch Conservancy habitat restoration project on Loma Ridge near Irvine has allowed this native plant’s dormant seeds to come alive again. The 63-acre project includes removal of non-native plants as well as planting native seeds, and the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) recently approved nearly $1.3 million in grant funding to advance the Conservancy’s work in the West Loma watershed.

The Phacelia ciliata was discovered by Fred Roberts, a botanical consultant with more than 25 years of field experience surveying rare plants in southern California. Roberts, who is Rare Plants Co-Chair of the Orange County Chapter of the California Native Plants Society, performed surveys in West Loma, where the rare small-flowered morning glory was spotted just last month. The West Loma project area is home to the largest population of small-flowered morning glory (Convolvulus simulans) growing in Orange County, according to Roberts’ research.


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When ‘Going to Seed’ Is a Good Thing

5/18/2012

 
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Native plant seeds are ready for harvest, and Irvine Ranch Conservancy seeks volunteers to help.

California poppies are beautiful, but what do they sound like? Hear for yourself while helping restore natural habitats at the Irvine Ranch Conservancy Native Seed Farm. Now through mid-June is a critical time for seed collection, and the Conservancy is seeking individuals and groups to take part in the harvest.

As you walk along the rows of orange blooms, you’ll hear a distinctive “pop” as the seed pods burst open. This is the California poppy’s way of dispersing seeds, and Conservancy staff hopes to collect seed pods from the poppy and other flowers on the farm now, just as they are beginning to disperse.


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Spend Mother's Day With Mother Nature 

5/4/2012

 
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From the mountains to the sea, outdoor activities abound for Mother's Day. 

Spending Mother's Day exploring the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks will not only shake up the brunch-and-flowers routine, but will create family memories that Mom will never forget. From the mountains to the sea, opportunities abound for spending time with your Mom -- and Mother Nature -- on Sunday, May 13.

Families interested in easy strolls together have choices on both ends of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks.  At the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary, the “Bird Walk at Freshwater Marsh” will provide views of migratory birds and will be guided by an expert birder. In Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, an easy hike suitable for kids as young as 5 takes the family through oak canopies to Barbara’s Lake. Toward the mountains, in Limestone Canyon, families can take a “Sketch and Connect” hike that will include stops to sketch scenery and learn about the history of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks.


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    About

    Welcome to the Irvine Ranch Conservancy "News from the Field" blog. These articles are written by Conservancy staff about activities and projects in and near the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. 

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Irvine Ranch Conservancy  •  4727 Portola Pkwy. Irvine, CA 92620  •  714-508-4757  •  info@irconservancy.org

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  • Home
    • Landmarks Blog
  • What We Do
    • Programs >
      • Habitat Restoration and Enhancement
      • Wildfire Prevention
      • Community Engagement and Education
      • Invasive Species Control
      • Plant Materials
      • Monitoring and Research
      • Planning and Infrastructure
      • Volunteer Management
    • Where We Work
    • About Us >
      • Meet the Team
      • Our Partners
      • Careers
      • Contact Us
  • Volunteer
  • Donate