Blog Archives

World Nature Conservation Day

7/24/2023

Orange County's open space.

Awareness about environmental conservation is a topic that has increasingly gained traction in recent years, but there is still more to do. As ambassadors of nature conservation, Irvine Ranch Conservancy (IRC) is proud to support the celebration of World Nature Conservation Day.

World Nature Conservation Day (WNCD), recognized annually on July 28th, serves as a reminder that natural resources and a healthy environment must be preserved to maintain the well-being of our planet and the stability of society. The degradation of natural resources has led to shifts in weather patterns, a major decrease in natural biodiversity, and the disruption and destruction of wildlife habitats and species. WNCD and IRC share a united goal of protecting plant and animal species that face the threat of extinction, as well as keeping various components of nature such as flora, fauna, energy resources, soil, water and air intact.

Landmark Spotlight: Buck Gully Reserve

7/18/2023

City of Newport Beach's Buck Gully Reserve

The Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks span across nearly 40,000 acres of land that stretches from the mountains to the sea in Orange County. Among the many beautiful areas within this vast open space is an area considered to be one of the “seven wonders” of the Landmarks, the natural, coastal canyon known as Buck Gully Reserve.

Buck Gully Reserve, an Orange County hidden gem, is a canyon that runs through and is owned by the City of Newport Beach. Buck Gully Reserve offers visitors the chance to explore 300 acres of lush wilderness and take in some of the best ocean views in Newport Beach. Open daily from dawn to dusk, the Reserve is home to a variety of native plant species. The natural stream that runs through Buck Gully Reserve is a year-round water source that supports the riparian and coastal sage scrub plant communities and attracts native wildlife such as rabbits, bobcats, coyotes, and a wide range of birds.

Plant Profile: Arroyo Lupine

7/7/2023

The Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks are home to an abundant variety of flora that cover the Landmarks, including the vibrant sight of the arroyo lupine. Known by the scientific name of lupinus succulentus, and a member of the Pea family, this annual wildflower has dense spikes of sweetly fragrant flowers that typically have a purple-blue hue. Arroyo lupine can be found throughout California, as well as Arizona and Baja California.

Arroyo lupine plants grow in a variety of different habitats, including the chaparral and coastal sage scrub habitats found on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. Due to the tremendous amount of precipitation this past year, these colorful wildflowers have been growing in abundance throughout Orange County. But beware, people and pets should never eat the leaves, stems, seeds or roots of this plant as all parts of an arroyo lupine are toxic.

Evening Activities on the Landmarks

7/6/2023

After Work Fitness Hike on Paved Hicks Haul Road.

Longer days and warmer nights mean that summer is officially here and there’s no better place to celebrate than the great outdoors! With several areas, trails and activities to choose from, Irvine Ranch Conservancy and its partners and volunteers offer a number of evening activities that are the perfect way to beat the heat and take in sweeping sunset views.

The Evening Hike: Fremont Canyon activity offers a scenic and fast-paced hike in the remote Fremont Canyon Nature Preserve on Friday, July 14 from 5:15 - 8:15 p.m. This hike climbs steeply past an abandoned coal mine and up to the Fremont Weather Station, where winds have been clocked at up to 100 mph.

World Nature Conservation Day

Landmark Spotlight: Buck Gully Reserve

Plant Profile: Arroyo Lupine

Evening Activities on the Landmarks

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