Blog Archives

Heat Exhaustion & Heat Stroke

5/31/2013

During the extremely hot summer months, our local foothills can see an incredible rise in temperatures. The soaring sun, little breeze and consistent high temperatures can make for unbearable trail conditions for even the most experienced trail users. While the heat may seem daunting, summer is still a fantastic time to get out and enjoy the trails. To keep you and your trailmates safe and healthy while out on the trails, it is important to remember heat related concerns that can occur when heading outdoors. Heat related illnesses happen when a person’s body temperature rises and becomes unable to cool itself down through sweating. As we perspire, we lose body fluids that need to be replenished. A person experiencing early signs of heat related illness can become dehydrated first, sometimes unbeknownst to themselves.

Rewarding "Excellence in Volunteerism"

5/31/2013

Irvine Ranch Conservancy selects recipients of the 2013 Excellence in Volunteerism award.

The Irvine Ranch Conservancy helps manage nearly 30,000 acres of open space in the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks – supported by a dedicated, active volunteer team of more than 350. On Saturday, June 8, the Conservancy and its partners will honor the outstanding volunteers who made public enjoyment of this natural landscape possible over the last year. The awards ceremony will include recognition of 10 recipients of the 2013 Excellence in Volunteerism award.

The Conservancy selected the recipients based on their exemplary efforts in support of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks, work that stood out even among their talented and committed peers. They contributed thousands of combined hours to the land leading public programs, participating in habitat restoration work, monitoring scientific research projects, and performing other jobs that support excellent land stewardship.

The Key to Effective Habitat Restoration? Think Big.

5/31/2013

By linking intact habitats through restoration projects, native habitats become bigger and stronger.

Bee Flat Canyon is a nearly 300-acre area in Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve, home to a rich variety of plants and wildlife. It is also home to an ambitious restoration project that leverages partnerships and scientific investigation to help turn about 100 acres of degraded land into healthy native habitat and eradicate weeds in the entire sub-watershed.

The preserve is part of the OC Parks system, operated by the County of Orange. Through the county’s partnership with Irvine Ranch Conservancy, the sensitive and protected land is managed in accordance with local and federal regulations, to the highest levels of stewardship. This management agreement allows for recreation activities such as hiking and biking, but also helps the county meet requirements for habitat restoration. Major funding for this project is provided through the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Measure M2 Freeway Environmental Mitigation Program, allowing for the three organizations to join forces to benefit the land.

National Trails Day Comes to Orange County

5/25/2013

Celebrate the outdoors with events throughout the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks.

Celebrate National Trails Day in a National Natural Landmark, right here in Orange County. On Saturday, June 1, the 21st annual celebration will include local activities throughout the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks.

The largest local event will be at Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve, where OC Parks and Irvine Ranch Conservancy will host a Wilderness Access Day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visitors can enjoy self-guided hiking, biking and horseback riding through majestic Limestone Canyon. The preserve is home to The Sinks, an expansive geological formation, and Conservancy volunteers will be on hand throughout the trail system to help guide visitors.

Honoring Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks Volunteers

5/10/2013

Irvine Ranch Conservancy celebrates contributions of the volunteers serving on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks.

The Irvine Ranch Conservancy helps manage nearly 30,000 acres of open space in the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks – supported by a dedicated, active volunteer team of more than 350. On Saturday, May 19, the Conservancy and its partners will honor the outstanding volunteers who made public enjoyment of this natural landscape possible over the last year. The awards ceremony will include recognition of 10 recipients of the 2012 Excellence in Volunteerism award.

Over the past 12 months, the efforts of these special volunteers stood out even among their talented and committed peers. They contributed thousands of combined hours to the land leading public programs, participating in habitat restoration work, monitoring scientific research projects, and performing other jobs that support excellent stewardship of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. During the awards presentation, open space landowners and partners such as OC Parks, the City of Irvine and the City of Newport Beach will also thank the entire volunteer team for helping to provide public access and enjoyment of these spectacular lands.

Boogie Under Blue Skies: Free Outdoor Zumba Classes

5/10/2013

Zumba has taken over gyms worldwide, now it’s moving outdoors.

If you’ve tried Zumba, you know that it gets you moving. This dance workout is a fun way to exercise, but is usually held indoors. Now you can work up a sweat while enjoying blue skies and scenic hills. Irvine Ranch Conservancy is hosting regular outdoor Zumba classes, with Orange County’s only National Natural Landmark as the backdrop.

Zumba is a energetic mix of dance styles, combined to form a workout suited to many fitness levels. The workout combines aerobic elements with dance moves from hip-hop, samba, mambo, salsa and other styles. Since its launch in Columbia in the 1990s, the workout sensation has swept the world. The dance moves are easy to follow, and people can put as much effort into the moves as they like, tailoring the workout.

What a Red Flag Warning Means to You

5/2/2013

You can help prevent wildfires by being vigilant, careful and ready during Red Flag weather.

The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning across Southern California, something that people in Orange County may be used to. But do you know what to do during a Red Flag Warning?

A Red Flag Warning is issued when fire weather forecasters determine that certain factors for high fire risk occur. These factors usually include high winds, warm weather, low humidity and dry vegetation. Since there is little chance of lightning in Orange County, most wildfires are human-caused, either accidentally or by arson. To help watch for suspicious or careless activity and fire starts, organizations such as Irvine Ranch Conservancy and OC Parks deploy Fire Watch programs. These programs include trained volunteers, and the program is supported by Orange County Fire Authority.

Heat Exhaustion & Heat Stroke

Rewarding "Excellence in Volunteerism"

The Key to Effective Habitat Restoration? Think Big.

National Trails Day Comes to Orange County

Honoring Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks Volunteers

Boogie Under Blue Skies: Free Outdoor Zumba Classes

What a Red Flag Warning Means to You

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