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Hit the Trails Early to Beat the Heat

8/30/2013

 
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Exploring local wilderness trails early in the morning means that not only will you beat the heat, but you might spot some local wildlife before they head deeper into the canyon. On September 7, the bimonthly Wilderness Access Day in Black Star Canyon begins at 7 a.m., just when animals such as mule deer, rabbits and a variety of birds are starting to stir.  

Wilderness Access Days are held monthly in Limestone Canyon and Black Star Canyon for self-guided hiking, biking and equestrian use. The location switches between the two sites each month, offering visitors the chance to explore much of the OC Parks Irvine Ranch Open Space each month. This month, visitors to the Baker Staging Area used for the Wilderness Access Day will see major improvements in progress, including preparations for a 48-foot shade sail, restroom enclosures and an improved interpretive area.


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How Roadside Ignitions Threaten our Wildlands

8/29/2013

 
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Whether intentional or accidental, roadside fires are the leading cause of local wildfires.

If you take your car in for a tune-up today, you could be preventing a wildfire tomorrow. At least one California wildfire was caused by a roadside ignition over the summer, and most of the major wildfires in Orange County have been started at the side of a road.

According to Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA), broken catalytic converters and dragging tow chains are the most common causes of these roadside ignitions, aside from the wildfires caused by arson. And as the Santa Ana Wind season picks up, a tiny spark from a low-hanging chain can set off a devastating blaze. 


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Exploring the Landmarks on Two Wheels Instead of Two Feet

8/23/2013

 
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Mountain biking in the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks is a unique experience. Not only are you in a National Natural Landmarks with world-class trails, but on a docent-led ride you may ride for hours and see only your fellow riders. And maybe a deer or two.  

Opportunities abound for mountain bikers to enjoy the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks, and with several mountain bikers on staff, the Irvine Ranch Conservancy helps make the trails and activities perfect for riders. From maintaining sustainable trails that resist erosion to designing routes that offer an exciting challenge, the Conservancy works with landowners such as OC Parks and City of Irvine to make sure riders have a good experience on the trails.


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New Route Rating System for Local Wilderness Trails

8/8/2013

 
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Irvine Ranch Conservancy adopts standard ratings for trails within the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks.

Ever wonder how difficult “difficult” is when looking at trail ratings? The Irvine Ranch Conservancy is trying to make route choices easier with the adoption of a new rating standard for trails it manages within the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks.

The system was developed by a team of Conservancy staff led by Brian Hughes, Interpretive Specialist and Tour Leader for the Conservancy. Hughes is a Certified Interpretive Guide with the National Association for Interpretation (NAI), and combined personal and professional experience travelling local trails to develop the rating system. During the process, the team researched how other agencies and organizations nationwide develop and implement their rating systems.


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Agua Chinon Watershed Prepped for Restoration

8/5/2013

 
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Irvine Ranch Conservancy begins 30-acre restoration project targeting riparian habitat.

Agua Chinon is a 1,200-acre Canyon in the San Diego Creek Watershed, and is the popular starting point for a beautiful hike to The Sinks. While keen eyes may have noticed invasive species such as black mustard and tree tobacco among the native plants in the Agua Chinon basin, visitors will soon start to also see signs of a restoration project in progress. The Irvine Ranch Conservancy has begun an intensive, multi-year project to remove invasive weeds and restore this riparian habitat.


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    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