Blog Archives

Protecting the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks with Orange County Fire Watch

7/31/2019

A Fire Watch volunteer

The summer season is often accompanied by scorching heat and dry plants, bringing increased risks of wildfires throughout Orange County. However, Irvine Ranch Conservancy, facilitated in partnership with OC Parks, City of Irvine, City of Newport Beach and the Orange County Fire Authority, takes tremendous efforts to protect the Irvine Ranch Open Space and Orange County Parks through the Orange County Fire Watch network.

Managed by Irvine Ranch Conservancy, Orange County Fire Watch is one of the largest volunteer fire watch programs in Southern California. The program is a vital resource that is designed to help reduce the rate of catastrophic wildfires through education, early reporting and deterrence.

Celebrate World Nature Conservation Day with Irvine Ranch Conservancy

7/25/2019

Volunteer planters

Observed each year on July 28, World Nature Conservation Day recognizes that a healthy environment is the foundation for a stable, productive society, and strives to increase awareness of protecting natural resources around the globe. Irvine Ranch Conservancy, along with OC Parks, the City of Irvine and the City of Newport Beach, is dedicated to protecting, restoring and enhancing the natural resources found here in Orange County.

The historic Irvine Ranch consists of 40,000 acres of open space that has been designated both a State and National Natural Landmark. Home to hundreds of native plants and animal species, the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks are a model of how urban wilderness can be protected and managed through a network of public and private partnerships.

The Importance of Staying on Trail Throughout the Landmarks

7/17/2019

Hikers on trail

From open space to regional parks, the extensive trail network across the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks allows the public to get out and experience the beauty of nature. Irvine Ranch Conservancy, on behalf of OC Parks, City of Irvine, and the City of Newport Beach, work diligently to maintain the Landmarks through restoration projects, wildlife monitoring, trail maintenance and much more.

In order to properly maintain restoration projects and protect habitat on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks, visitors should always remain on designated trails when hiking, biking or riding through the Landmarks. For nature enthusiasts, creating their own trail might seem like an adventure, but this can be harmful to the environment. Creating your own path or “shortcut,” using unmarked trails or creating switchbacks can cause erosion, damage wildlife habitat and enable illegal trespassing. It is better for our local environment, and more enjoyable, to take your time and stay on the trail.

Landmarks Focus: Raptor Monitoring

7/12/2019

Red-tailed Hawk chick in the nest

Many of the raptors seen throughout the developed parts of Orange County were likely born and raised on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. With plenty of quiet places to nest, and an abundance of food in the springtime, it’s no wonder many raptors decide to raise their young here. However, nesting season can be a stressful time for raptor families, and they are easily spooked by human activity.

Landmarks Focus: Goats!

7/12/2019

Goats in Bommer Canyon

If you happened to be passing by Bommer Meadow in the month of May, you might have noticed something unexpected – a herd of goats! The goats were assisting with the beginning stages of a multi-year restoration project being conducted by the Irvine Ranch Conservancy in partnership with the City of Irvine in Bommer Meadow, which was historically part of a working cattle camp. Livestock grazing and the introduction of non-native plants and weeds degraded the natural habitat over time, reducing available food, water and shelter for native plants and wildlife. Invasive plants do not provide the resources necessary to support healthy native wildlife populations, and they also increase wildfire risk, so it is crucial to restore degraded areas with native vegetation to provide wildlife with a functioning habitat and to reduce wildfire.

Wildlife Spotlight: Chaparral Beargrass

7/12/2019

Chaparral Beargrass

Within the bounds of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks lives an exceedingly rare plant called Nolina cismontana. This plant, commonly known as chaparral beargrass, is so rare that it is only known to grow within four counties in Southern California. There are thought to be no more than 20,000 chaparral beargrass specimens in the world!

Wildlife Spotlight: Red-tailed Hawks

7/12/2019

Red-tailed Hawk

Red-tailed hawks are some of the most stunning wildlife sights on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. Widespread throughout North America, these raptors are frequently spotted throughout Orange County, perched atop telephone poles, tall buildings, trees or circling the skies.

Summer Destinations on the Landmarks

7/3/2019

A lush, shady trail in Newport Beach's Buck Gully Reserve

Irvine Ranch Conservancy has your summer guide to outdoor adventures

It’s starting to feel like summer all across the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks! Summer vacation is the perfect time of year to get outdoors, soak up the sun and enjoy the natural beauty of Orange County. Gather your family and friends and don’t miss out on these summer destinations!

The Sinks in Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve are a must-see destination for your summer vacation. This picturesque natural geological formation, composed of dramatically exposed and layered sandstone cliffs, is often called a “mini Grand Canyon” and has become a popular destination among the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. Limestone Canyon also stuns visitors with its lush natural habitat, from thick oak woodlands to the rich diversity of plants and animals, all of which can be experienced on a hike or bike ride.

Protecting the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks with Orange County Fire Watch

Celebrate World Nature Conservation Day with Irvine Ranch Conservancy

The Importance of Staying on Trail Throughout the Landmarks

Landmarks Focus: Raptor Monitoring

Landmarks Focus: Goats!

Wildlife Spotlight: Chaparral Beargrass

Wildlife Spotlight: Red-tailed Hawks

Summer Destinations on the Landmarks

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