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The Road to Fitness Travels Through the Landmarks

6/24/2016

 
PictureHikes along the Mesa Loop in OC Parks' Black Star Canyon are a great way to exercise outdoors. Click here to browse upcoming guided programs.
Fitness-focused programs offer the opportunity to exercise outdoors while connecting to the land.
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If the gym is becoming a bit monotonous, consider an alternative workout on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. OC Parks’ Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve is home to fitness programs that cater to beginner and experienced hikers alike, and welcomes visitors to engage in a workout while connecting with the land. From slow-paced walks to more strenuous cardio hikes, there’s a summertime workout waiting for you on the Landmarks.

Hikes along Hicks Haul Road in Limestone Canyon appeal to a wide range of visitors to the Landmarks. These programs occur in the morning and evening, and allow participants to hike at their own pace along a paved trail. Early risers can take in the fresh summer air during Tuesday Morning Fitness Hikes on Paved Hicks Haul Road. With sweeping views of the Santa Ana Mountains and a chance of wildlife sightings, this scenic hike is an invigorating start to the day that lasts from 7:30-10 a.m., and visitors can choose from a 3-, 6-, or 8-mile route along the paved road.


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Explore the Landmarks During New Programs This Summer

6/17/2016

 
PictureGather family and friends to explore Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park during guided activities this summer.
Guided activities provide more opportunities for families to connect with the open space.
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Summer solstice on June 20 marks the beginning of longer days, warmer nights, and more opportunities for outdoor adventure. Visitors to the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks can connect with the land during three new series of guided activities this summer. Kids in Carriers Walk, Tai Chi in the Hills, and Celebrate Cultures in Nature appeal to a wide range of ages and interests. This summer, explore the open wilderness through family-friendly hikes, meditative exercise and intellectually stimulating strolls during guided activities on the Landmarks. 

​Kids in Carriers Walk, a monthly trek through Baker Meadow in OC Parks’ Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park, is perfect for families with younger children eager to spend time outdoors. Baker Meadow is a 2-mile, flat trail suitable for off-road strollers, kids of all ages, and parents with baby carriers. Kids can experience the colorful plants and aromatic scents of coastal sage scrub habitat while spending a summer morning exploring local wilderness. Kids in Carriers Walk: Baker Meadow kicks off Saturday, 7/23, and also occurs Saturday, 8/13, and Saturday, 9/24. Click the title and dates above to learn more about and register for these programs.


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Hike to Hangman's Monument

6/10/2016

 
PictureThe Hangman's Tree Monument marks the spot in the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks where two bandits were hanged in 1857.
See a piece of Orange County history in person during a challenging 6-mile hike through Orchard Hills.

In a small canyon deep in the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks, there are seven sycamore trees whose distinctive, deep green leaves and tall, straight trunks lay claim to one of Orange County’s more notorious bits of outlaw history.
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In the mid-19th Century, a group of bandits known as the Flores Gang blazed a trail of robberies extending from Los Angeles to San Juan Capistrano before ambushing Los Angeles County Sheriff James Barton, killing him and three others. The “Barton Massacre” and the hunt for Flores himself became the stuff of legends. Flores was eventually captured and hanged in front of several thousand spectators in downtown Los Angeles, while two of his gang – Francisco Ardillero and Juan Catabo – were chased down and hanged at the grove of sycamore trees still standing today in the Landmarks.


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Beat the Summer Heat on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks

6/3/2016

 
PictureVisitors to Limestone Canyon enjoy an early evening hike along Hicks Haul Road. Images courtesy of Irvine Ranch Conservancy Volunteer Kilian Witzel.
Enjoy the local wilderness even as temperatures heat up by keeping basic safety tips in mind this summer.

Summer’s longer days and clearer skies are quickly approaching, and for many people in Orange County that means more time to spend outdoors. There are a variety of daily guided activities available to the public on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks, and many opportunities for visitors to explore local wilderness on their own.

​Whether you’re with a guide or on your own, the unique beauty of open space lands comes with unique aspects each visitor should prepare for to enjoy the land safely. It’s important to realize that the distance, terrain and surrounding plants and wildlife out on the Landmarks are very different from those of a neighborhood park. The lush but often smaller bushes of coastal sage scrub habitat – which is dominant throughout the Landmarks – offer little to no shade, making it even more vital for visitors to take certain precautions to protect themselves against the heat.


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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
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