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Landmarks Focus: Chaparral Habitats

5/27/2020

 
PictureChaparral habitat in Fremont Canyon (photo: Michael Dresser)
​Thanks to the Mediterranean climate of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks, nature lovers have the opportunity to experience a variety of different habitats right here in Orange County.
 
You may not know it, but Orange County is full of what is called chaparral habitats. Often found on mountain slopes and coastal foothills, chaparral is California’s most extensive plant community. With a variety of different species, this habitat can be found up and down the California coast, from Baja to Southern Oregon.
 
Chaparral habitats usually contain drought-tolerant, woody shrubs that thrive in hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Most chaparral plants have large, hard leaves that can hold moisture. During the springtime, you’ll see Orange County hillsides full of airy, light green chaparral plants that turn brown in the summer and fall. Common chaparral plant species include scrub oak, chaparral yucca, golden yarrow, and so many more! There are also a variety of animals that make chaparral habitats their home including mule deer, quail, coyotes, rabbits, lizards, and others.


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Landmarks Focus: Riparian Habitats

5/20/2020

 
Picture
There are a number of different habitats found throughout the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks, each with its own purpose and ecosystem. As you explore the popular trails of the Landmarks, you will likely come across riparian habitats. Found alongside rivers, streams, and on the banks of lakes and ponds, riparian habitats play an important role in native Orange County wildlands.
 
Ranging from dense thickets of shrubs to large mature trees, riparian habitats benefit both native plants and animals. These habitats are a reliable source of food, water, nesting grounds and coverage for local wildlife, especially migratory birds looking for a place to call home during the winter. Riparian habitats can also provide riverbank protection, erosion control, improved water quality, and a peaceful environment for recreational trails on the Landmarks. 


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Landmarks Focus: Coastal Sage Scrub

5/14/2020

 
PictureCoastal sage scrub habitat in the City of Newport Beach's Buck Gully Reserve
​One of the world’s biodiversity “hot spots,” the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks are home to a wide variety of important natural habitats and species. Across the Landmarks, visitors will find coastal sage scrub (CSS), a rare and biologically rich habitat that is native to coastal Southern California.
 
Today, the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks are one of the largest areas in California containing this Mediterranean-type habitat. Coastal sage scrub grows primarily in dry, foggy areas along the coast, and inland foothills and canyons where the marine layer can reach. If you’ve explored the trails of the Landmarks, chances are you’ve come across this unique habitat. Showing off a range of color, coastal sage scrub is an entire ecosystem consisting of a wide variety of plants, insects, mammals and birds, many of which are rare and rely on this particular habitat to survive. 


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Irvine Ranch Conservancy Volunteers Honored with Spirit of Volunteerism Awards

5/7/2020

 
​Every April, local nonprofit OneOC honors hundreds of volunteers and organizations with the Spirit of Volunteerism Awards. With physical distancing orders in place, OneOC hosted a virtual event on April 30 that recognized over 300 honorees, 100+ organizations and over 35 sponsors.
 
Irvine Ranch Conservancy was proud to have seven of its volunteers nominated for the awards this year! Each nominee was selected based on their exemplary efforts in support of the Conservancy and the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. These volunteers have contributed countless hours to the land by leading public activities, participating in habitat restoration work and supporting IRC staff on special projects.  

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    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
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