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Irvine Ranch Conservancy Staff Spotlight: Alan Blake, Program Coordinator

7/29/2021

 
PictureAlan Blake, Program Coordinator
​Habitat restoration work on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks is a crucial part of Irvine Ranch Conservancy’s mission. From planning to execution, the Conservancy leads long-term, comprehensive ecological restoration efforts with a variety of methods tailored to local wildlands.
 
IRC Program Coordinator Alan Blake is one of the dedicated staff members who works on habitat restoration projects through the Conservancy’s Habitat Restoration and Enhancement program. A native to southern California, Alan grew up in the Inland Empire and attended California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, earning a degree in Environmental Biology.
 
“After graduating, I spent time traveling and working in agriculture and landscaping for a few years,” said Alan. “When I came back to southern California, I found IRC and knew it was a great opportunity to do the kind of work I want to do in an awesome environment.”


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Irvine Ranch Conservancy Planning & Infrastructure Crew Installs Monument at Big Canyon Nature Park

7/22/2021

 
PictureUnveiling of the new monument in Big Canyon Nature Park
On July 13, Irvine Ranch Conservancy joined the City of Newport Beach, Newport Bay Conservancy and Defend the Bay at an unveiling ceremony in honor of the Big Canyon Restoration Project at Big Canyon Nature Park located in Upper Newport Bay.
 
The ceremony was dedicated to the 17-acre restoration project that removed a large infestation of the invasive Brazilian Pepper Trees within Big Canyon Nature Park. During the ceremony, a boulder monument was unveiled with a plaque commemorating the success of the restoration project.


Ahead of the ceremony, Irvine Ranch Conservancy’s Planning & Infrastructure crew was responsible for installing the large monument. The 5.5-ton boulder monument was installed on a 120 square foot area that was prepared and placed by the IRC Planning & Infrastructure crew. Irvine Ranch Conservancy also helped conceptualize and assisted with early funding for the restoration project with former Councilmember
​Leslie Daigle.

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Beat the Heat with Evening Activities on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks

7/15/2021

 
PictureHikers enjoying the sunset on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks
​Summer’s longer days and warm sunshine allows nature lovers to spend more time on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. Whether you’re looking to beat the summer heat or take a break from spending too much time indoors, hikers can enjoy Orange County’s native wildlands as the sun starts to set with evening activities on the Landmarks.
 
Taking place every Thursday, the Evening Hike on Hicks Haul Road provides an easy hike through stunning rock formations and fragrant native plants as participants make their way along the paved Hicks Haul Road. The guided hike travels 2.5 miles round trip to scenic Loma Ridge and back.
 
Explore the rich plant life and flowing creek in the coastal canyon of Newport Beach’s Buck Gully Reserve during the Buck Gully Upper Loop Evening Hike on August 3 and 24. Hikers will make their way through the natural oasis while traveling along San Joaquin Hills Road and down into the canyon on the Bobcat Trail, looping back on the Buck Gully Trail.


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Volunteers Help Ensure that Native Flora and Fauna can Thrive

7/8/2021

 
PictureLong-time volunteer, Ken Kadlec
Irvine Ranch Conservancy (IRC) and the City of Irvine have been hard at work managing invasive species on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks with the help of local volunteers. While many public activities on the land quieted this past year, volunteers and staff remained dedicated to monitoring and removing invasive plant species, ensuring our native flora and fauna can thrive.  
 
The Irvine Ranch Conservancy’s Invasive Species Control team works to protect the health of local wildland habitats by stopping the spread of harmful plants, animals and insects that threaten these ecosystems. With the support and collaboration of staff, volunteers and regional partners, the team engages in a variety of activities to prevent non-native plants and wildlife from degrading the local landscape, allowing for a full flourishing of biodiversity. One such volunteer spearheading the cause is Irvine resident, Ken Kadlec. 


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Wishing You a Happy & Safe 4th of July from Irvine Ranch Conservancy

7/1/2021

 
Picture
​The warm summer weather has arrived just in time for the 4th of July weekend! For many locals, the holiday’s festivities are filled with BBQ’s, outdoor activities, and a spectacular display of fireworks to end the day.
 
However, with little rain this year and drier days ahead, our native wildlands are more susceptible to wildfire ignitions, which means it is our responsibility to take proper safety precautions and be alert this holiday weekend.
 
Even if smaller fireworks are legal in your city, they can still pose a huge risk to native wildlands found on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks, as well as homes, people, pets and more. Fireworks are prohibited at all state and county parks, county harbors, state, county and city beaches, unincorporated areas of Orange County, and the Cleveland National Forest. Something as simple as a hand-held sparkler can be just as dangerous as large fireworks, as they exceed temperatures up to 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit. Additional information about firework safety can be found on the OCFA website. As a safe, fun alternative to lighting personal fireworks, check out a list of local fireworks displays in your area at ocfa.org/FourthOfJuly. 


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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
  • Donate