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. The best way to enjoy summer outdoor activities is to properly prepare for the heat and know the warning signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
The warm summer months in southern California may deter nature lovers from exploring the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks, but there are still plenty of opportunities to have an outdoor adventure during the summertime. Before heading out on the trails on a hot day, it’s important to educate yourself about heat safety and the simple steps that can be taken to avoid heat-related illnesses.
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. The best way to enjoy summer outdoor activities is to properly prepare for the heat and know the warning signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. There are a variety of different animals that make the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks their home, including snake species that play an important role in our ecosystem. With the weather warming up, snakes are coming out of their annual brumation, a type of hibernation that slows down their metabolism, making snakes lethargic and largely inactive.
With the end of the winter season, snakes are becoming increasingly active on trails and open spaces on the Landmarks, so it’s important to understand how to coexist with these reptiles while still enjoying your time outdoors. A newly introduced invasive plant species, the North African Knapweed, has been discovered in parts of California, including Orange County and the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. This annual species belongs to the genus Centaurea in the sunflower family (Asteraceae) and originates from southwestern Europe and northern Africa.
Identifiable by its small pink-purple flowers and lobed leaves, the North African Knapweed is usually found in grasslands and disperses its seeds by wind. Flowering from April to December, this invasive species can degrade habitat for wildlife, exacerbate wildfire risks, and reduce overall biodiversity of Orange County’s native wildlands. On Thursday, April 28, OneOC held the 46th Spirit of Volunteerism Awards, where volunteers across Orange County are recognized for going above and beyond during their volunteer time. This year, the annual event was held in person at the Grove of Anaheim and live steamed for those who wanted to enjoy the celebration virtually.
Irvine Ranch Conservancy was proud to honor five of its volunteers recognized in the Environment & Sustainability category for 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. |
AboutWelcome 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. Archives
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