Connect with the land through stewardship programs offered on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks
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​From hiking and mountain biking to horseback riding and habitat restoration, the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks offer visitors of all ages and interests the opportunity to connect with the wildlands in various ways. Nature lovers can discover the beauty of the Landmarks through outdoor volunteer activities and stewardship programs, offered regularly throughout the Landmarks.  Stewardship programs allow the community to become an ambassador of the land, while helping restore natural habitat and replenishing native species on the open spaces.

• Those looking to roll up their sleeves can join Irvine Ranch Conservancy staff during the Waterworks Trail Restoration: Fremont Canyon program on Tuesday, September 4 from 9 – 11 a.m. During this stewardship activity, volunteers will help maintain the land along the Waterworks Trail in OC Parks’ Fremont Canyon Nature Preserve. This valuable work includes the removal of invasive weeds which helps to restore habitat for local wildlife.  Volunteers may even be treated to a peaceful 2-mile nature walk through the canyon, if time permits. 

​Whether by foot, mountain bike, or horseback, trail trekkers can discover the Landmarks this Labor Day weekend and beyond
 
As kids go back to school and the fall season approaches, visitors of all ages can enjoy the last days of summer on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. Symbolizing the unofficial end of the summer season, Labor Day weekend is a great time for nature lovers to learn about their natural surroundings and gain a deeper appreciation for the land. All week long, nature lovers can take advantage of the warm weather with a variety of activities including hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding across the open spaces and nature preserves. 

​Learn more about the areas open daily for hikers, bikers, and equestrians
 
The Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks are comprised of nearly 40,000 acres of open space and wildlands. The Landmarks are full of rare biologically diverse plant life, historic terrain ranging from coastlines to rugged mountain ridges, and hundreds of species of wildlife including bobcats, eagles, and badgers. Visitors of all ages can explore the open spaces daily from the inland mountains to the coast through self-guided access on several trails throughout the county.
 
Bommer Canyon
Located alongside Crystal Cove State Park and OC Parks’ Laguna Canyon Wilderness Park, the City of Irvine’s Bommer Canyon offers explorers a variety of trails to explore on their own or through docent-led programs. Open from dawn to dusk, families can enjoy a stroll down a meandering trail while seasoned hikers can take on steep technical trails. Hikers and mountain bikers have the opportunity to explore the mature coastal sage scrub ecosystem and discover the rich local history of one of Orange County’s last cattle camps in operation.  Equestrians can also enjoy Bommer Canyon May 1 through November 30. 

A hosted showcase of morning programs highlights the diversity of youth activities on the Landmarks
 
The Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks offers a wealth of geologic formations, rare habitats, and hundreds of species of plant and wildlife. Nature lovers of all ages can explore and discover the natural wonders of the Landmarks through guided programs throughout the year. Visitors can immerse the whole family in nature through stewardship, interpretive, and hiking programs while connecting with the lands. Irvine Ranch Conservancy was pleased to host a media event showcasing popular kid-friendly programs offered on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks.
 
“Whether a first-time or frequent visitor to the Landmarks, there are many programs for kids to enjoy while developing interest in the lands. This event was a great opportunity to highlight a few of the amazing programs kids can experience with the whole family,” commented Scott Graves, Irvine Ranch Conservancy Communications Manager. “Introducing the wonders of nature to kids at a young age can not only help them learn about the open spaces around them, but help them form a true appreciation for the local lands.”