Blog Archives

Irvine Ranch Conservancy Collaborates with UCI on Summer Institute for Data Science Graduate Students

9/30/2021

UCI's Ridge to Reef Summer Institute students

As part of Irvine Ranch Conservancy’s Monitoring and Research, Restoration and Enhancement, and Community Engagement and Education Programs, IRC staff partnered with the University of California, Irvine during the annual Ridge to Reef Summer Institute. Taking place August 23 - September 2, the two-week course for university graduate students in environmental science provided training in data science and related skills, as well as facilitated growth in interdisciplinary knowledge, professional development and communication skills.

Helping to educate a new generation of scholars, IRC staff provided nine years of data analysis from the Conservancy's restoration efforts and gave lectures to participating students. Through the Ridge to Reef Summer Institute, students analyzed data from OCTA funded restoration projects in OC Parks’ Bee Flat Canyon, Silverado Canyon and West Loma, and OCWR funded restoration projects in OC Parks’ Agua Chinon.

Celebrate National Public Lands Day Outdoors or at Home

9/23/2021

Hikers enjoying the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks

On Saturday, September 25, nature enthusiasts can celebrate National Public Lands Day outdoors or from the comfort of their own home! This year’s theme "More Ways to Connect to Nature” encourages participants to experience nature in a variety of ways, whether it be in person or virtual.

Established in 1994 and held annually on the fourth Saturday in September, National Public Lands Day is traditionally the nation's largest single-day volunteer effort, celebrating the connection between people and valuable wildlands. National Public Lands Day provides an opportunity for nature lovers of all ages to show appreciation for the precious wildlands and expand their connection to nature.

Irvine Ranch Conservancy Staff Spotlight: Erin Andreatta, Invasive Species Program Manager

9/16/2021

Invasive Species Program Manager, Erin Andreatta and her dog, Kora

The Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks consist of unique biodiverse urban wildlands with important ecosystems that need protecting. One of the most critical threats to these natural habitats are invasive plants, animals and insects, as they compete with native species for vital nutrients, space and light, threatening the natural diversity of the landscape.

Invasive Species Program Manager Erin Andreatta is one of the Irvine Ranch Conservancy staff members dedicated to the conservation and protection of wildlands on the Landmarks from invasive species. Over three years ago, Erin joined the Conservancy team to prioritize the threats posed by invasive plants and animals, which is assessed annually with local partners and individuals from OC Parks, California Invasive Plant Council, Natural Communities Coalition, CA State Parks, The Nature Conservancy, Orange County Native Plant Society, CA Dept. of Fish and Wildlife, University of California, and more.

Learn and Connect with the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks this School Year

9/9/2021

Young visitors enjoying the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks

Summer temperatures may be ongoing, but a new school year is upon us, and kids are returning to classrooms across Orange County. Even though most learning takes place in the classroom, there are plenty of valuable lessons that can be taught right in our own backyard on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks.

Home to a variety of diverse habitats, including rare plant and animal species, the Landmarks present many opportunities to experience and learn from the wonders of nature. Irvine Ranch Conservancy and its partners, OC Parks, City of Irvine and the City of Newport Beach, frequently host interpretive activities for all ages to learn, explore, and connect with local wildlands.

Wildlife Spotlight: Fox Sparrow

9/2/2021

Fox Sparrow

The Fox Sparrow is a large, plump-bodied sparrow with rust-colored feathers with a mix of gray and brown hues that resemble the coloring of a fox. Coloring of this species may vary depending on the region and can often be identified by subspecies including Red Fox Sparrow, Slate-colored Fox Sparrow, Sooty Fox Sparrow and Thick-billed Fox Sparrow.

Fox Sparrows spend much of their time close to the ground foraging for food in fallen leaves and under dense cover. With a diet consisting mainly of seeds, insects and berries, the Fox Sparrow searches for food by scratching the soil, making a small forward jump, then scratching back with both feet. During breeding season, Fox Sparrows nest low to the ground in chaparral habitats, under dense, shrubby vegetation.

Irvine Ranch Conservancy Collaborates with UCI on Summer Institute for Data Science Graduate Students

Celebrate National Public Lands Day Outdoors or at Home

Irvine Ranch Conservancy Staff Spotlight: Erin Andreatta, Invasive Species Program Manager

Learn and Connect with the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks this School Year

Wildlife Spotlight: Fox Sparrow

About

Archives

Categories