Blog Archives

Join OC Parks Wilderness Celebration

5/30/2014

June 7 event features self-guided nature walks and activities for all ages.

Families and outdoors enthusiasts are invited to enjoy self-guided access in the magnificent Limestone Canyon at the fourth annual OC Parks Wilderness Celebration on June 7 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Designated trails will be open for self-guided hiking, biking and equestrian use.

The Wilderness Celebration will offer self-guided access to trail routes of varying distance and level of difficulty within this open space preserve. “The Sinks” – an Orange County landmark formed over millions of years – will be accessible via a 9-mile round trip hike over moderate terrain. The 5-mile long Shoestring Trail Loop will also be accessible, with many other options for visitors of all ages to choose their own route.

Honoring 2014 Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks Volunteers

5/23/2014

Irvine Ranch Conservancy selects recipients of the 2014 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 Friday, May 30, 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 2014 Excellence in Volunteerism award.

Sahara Mustard Emerging as Major Threat to Local Habitat

5/16/2014

The weed is shorter in size than the more prevalent Black mustard, but is more aggressive.

Sahara mustard is a highly invasive weed that can spread and degrade native wildlife habitat at a fast pace. The recent discovery of small populations of Sahara mustard in multiple locations within the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks is causing concern, and now land managers are focusing efforts on eradicating Sahara mustard before it becomes entrenched.

Land managers in other parts of Southern California have already seen Sahara mustard (Brassica tournefortii) monopolize large areas of land. Fields once home to wildflower blooms have been replaced by this unwanted weed, driving out wildlife that depends on native plants there for food or shelter.

Catch a Spring Sunset This Week

5/9/2014

Free programs in the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks take advantage of cool evenings.

Longer days and milder weather are an invitation to get outside in the evening, perhaps to take in a spring sunset. From easy family walks to challenging fitness hikes,www.LetsGoOutside.org is your source for a variety of convenient evening programs in the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks.

Free evening programs this week include fitness hikes in OC Parks’ Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve on the paved Hicks Haul Road. These hikes are offered on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings, with the Thursday hike at a slower pace, perfect for beginners. A Friday evening hike will also be available this Friday in the same area along Hicks Haul Road. Sunset yoga and a full moon hike are both on Wednesday at Bommer Canyon in the City of Irvine.

Spend Mother's Day with Mother Nature

5/2/2014

Treat your mom to time outdoors with these fun, free activities.

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. There are many different opportunities abound for spending time with your Mom – and Mother Nature – on Sunday, May 11.

Two programs are available for the active mom looking for a great workout on Mother’s Day. For a rewarding and relaxing activity, try Yiking. This popular program starts off with a strenuous hike and ends with a relaxing yoga session in OC Parks’ Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve. Another activity to get the heart pumping and the feet moving is Zumba. This aerobic workout is also offered on Sunday in Limestone Canyon, and is open to participants 12 and older.

Join OC Parks Wilderness Celebration

Honoring 2014 Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks Volunteers

Sahara Mustard Emerging as Major Threat to Local Habitat

Catch a Spring Sunset This Week

Spend Mother's Day with Mother Nature

About

Archives

Categories