Blog Archives

Family Fun for Fall

9/26/2014

Bring the whole family to fun activities on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks.

The end of summer doesn't have to be the end of family fun outdoors -- with the kids back in school and the weather starting to cool off, families may be in the search of activities they can enjoy together on the weekend. In OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, Irvine Ranch Conservancy naturalists are leading several activities next weekend that are perfect for families.

A unique way to spend time with the family is by having an adventure under the open sky at night. Come discover the brightness of a full moon’s light at the Full Moon Hike in Black Star Canyon on Saturday, October 4. This easy 3-mile nature walk is open to ages 8 and up.

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Head Outdoors for National Public Lands Day

9/19/2014

Participate in the nation’s largest single-day volunteer effort to work and preserve local lands for generations to come.

The largest single-day volunteer effort for public lands is coming to the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. National Public Lands Day will be celebrated on Saturday, September 27, when more than 175,000 volunteers are expected to visit their favorite parks, beaches, wildlife preserves and forests to help improve these natural areas. Locally, volunteers can get involved in habitat restoration projects from the mountains to the sea.

How to Prepare for Hitting the Trails

9/12/2014

Free workshop will cover equipment, maps, safety and basic guidelines for walking and hiking in the local wilderness.

Any experienced hiker will tell you that preparedness is key to a safe and successful hike. Even in the urban-adjacent trails of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks, basic outdoor preparedness can make your outdoor experience enjoyable. If you are ready to do some outdoor exploring and want to be prepared, the City of Irvine and the Irvine Ranch Conservancy will offer an “Introduction to Walking and Hiking in the Outdoors” workshop in Bommer Canyon on Saturday, September 20. This activity is free and aimed to provide a good foundation of knowledge for people new to hiking.

Nature's Workhorses, the Pollinators

9/5/2014

Bees, birds and butterflies take care of the heavy lifting of pollinating local plants.

There is always activity on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks with busy bees buzzing, tireless hummingbirds zigzagging, and graceful butterflies fluttering. These critters are performing a valuable and critical service for native plants and animals. They are carrying pollen from one plant to another as they search for nectar. Without them, wildlife would have fewer nutritious berries and seeds and wildflowers would vanish. OC Parks and Irvine Ranch Conservancy are offering a hike with a trained naturalist to learn about these native pollinators.

The activity, Popular Pollinators, will be in Round Canyon, home to an abundant number of native plants and trees. The presence of these plants and trees, such as the western sycamore and coast live oak, offer a perfect home for native hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees.

Family Fun for Fall

Head Outdoors for National Public Lands Day

How to Prepare for Hitting the Trails

Nature's Workhorses, the Pollinators

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