With little rain this year and high temperatures drying out plants, it’s important to understand that even the smallest spark can start a devastating fire. Everyday items like charcoal barbeques and backyard fire pits should be watched carefully and never be left unattended. Be sure to remove any dry brush or low-hanging branches near the area and keep a fire extinguisher nearby in case of an emergency. Always pay attention to any wind that might blow ashes out of your yard and do not light an open flame if gusts are too strong.
Independence Day is a time to gather with loved ones and enjoy the warm summer weather, along with holiday festivities like BBQ’s, outdoor activities and dazzling fireworks shows. While celebrating this holiday weekend, we encourage you to take proper safety precautions, helping to protect Orange County’s native wildlands and communities from potential wildfire ignitions.
With little rain this year and high temperatures drying out plants, it’s important to understand that even the smallest spark can start a devastating fire. Everyday items like charcoal barbeques and backyard fire pits should be watched carefully and never be left unattended. Be sure to remove any dry brush or low-hanging branches near the area and keep a fire extinguisher nearby in case of an emergency. Always pay attention to any wind that might blow ashes out of your yard and do not light an open flame if gusts are too strong. Did you know that the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks consists of nearly 40,000 acres of native wildlands? Within these local wildlands are a variety of rare plant and animal species that make up important natural habitats. In fact, habitats found on the Landmarks are so diverse that they have been labeled as one of the world’s biodiversity “hot spots” — an area with large concentrations of different species.
With wildlands like this in our own backyard, it’s important to ensure they remain healthy and protected, so the biodiversity of the Landmarks can continue to thrive in their natural environment. In order to protect Orange County’s native wildlands, protection plans like the Natural Community Conservation Planning (NCCP) program take a broad-based ecosystem approach to planning for the protection and perpetuation of biological diversity. NCCP programs operate under a partnership with the State of California, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and local landowners and environmental agencies. On Tuesday, June 7, Irvine Ranch Conservancy hosted a live presentation where UCI MCRS
(Masters in Conservation and Restoration Science) Graduate Students shared their findings on the effects of post-fire resiliency in coastal sage scrub communities. Masters students Jessica Rath, Michelle dela Cruz, Rubeen Khunkhun and BryAnna Wertz studied areas on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks that were damaged during the 2020 Silverado Fire, comparing restored versus unrestored coastal sage scrub habitats. Drier summer months are on the horizon, which means Orange County fire agencies and partners have begun their preparation for the upcoming fire season. On Saturday, June 4, Orange County Fire Watch held its annual Fire Watch training, where volunteers can brush up on their skills and practice for the first deployment of the fire season.
The annual training sends Fire Watch volunteers to multiple locations across Orange County, where simulations are set-up on the land. This year’s training took place at four different locations throughout OC Parks and the Irvine Ranch Open Space. With the use of binoculars and the naked eye, Fire Watch volunteers were tasked to scan each location and call out signs of wildfire danger by reporting their observations to an authority on scene, over the radio and calling the Fire Watch hotline. Celebrating Our Volunteers and Partners for Their Dedication to Orange County’s Native Wildlands6/2/2022
On Friday, May 20, Irvine Ranch Conservancy honored its volunteers and partners during the annual Volunteer and Partner Celebration at the Augustine Staging Area in beautiful Limestone Canyon. The celebration is an opportunity for IRC volunteers and partners to come together to celebrate the land and their shared goal of restoring and protecting the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks.
Thanks to the generous efforts of Irvine Ranch Conservancy volunteers, nature lovers of all ages are able to continue to enjoy the natural beauty of the Landmarks. In 2021, IRC volunteers donated 18,851 hours of their time to restoration projects, data collection, wildfire prevention efforts, tending to IRC’s native seed farm and plant nurseries, leading free community activities and more. |
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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