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Spend Native American History Month in Nature

10/30/2014

“Take only memories, leave only footprints.” -- Chief Seattle (1786-1866)

November is Native American History Month, celebrating these rich cultures that live in balance with nature. While this quote from Chief Seattle of the Suquamish Nation may be more than 100 years old, the idea of preserving natural resources continues to be the goal of the many organizations working within the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks.

Enjoying local open space and wilderness areas and working to preserve them for future generations is one way you can pay tribute to Native American heritage. As you enjoy an oak-lined path or participate in a habitat restoration project, you can contemplate the history of the land and the Native Americans.

Birds of the Landmarks, from the Mountains to Sea

10/16/2014

The diverse bird species of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks reflects local ecological diversity.

From the bulky Brown Pelican spotted easily near the shore to the tiny, endangered California Gnatcatcher hiding in the hills, the variety of birds in the Irvine Natural Landmarks is incredibly diverse. Sometimes you hear them, sometimes you see them, but you might be surprised to learn that there are hundreds of bird species that call Orange County their year-round home.

This diversity of species is possible due to the number of unique habitats found in the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. Luckily, there are a variety of groups with expert birders who can help you get to know birds that are specific to each area. While any activity on the land is likely to include an appearance by a few feathered friends, there are specific docent-led bird walks coming soon.

Most activities require pre-registration or reservations, so visit www.LetsGoOutside.org/Activities for more information before heading out on your bird-watching excursion.

Take a Hike to Stress Less

10/10/2014

New study shows that group nature walks have a positive effect on reducing the stress of daily life.

A new study on walking in nature shows that you don’t have to run marathons or trek tens of miles to gain the mental and physical benefits of exercising outdoors. Newly-published research by University of Michigan and Edge Hill University in England found that even short, frequent walks in nature can significantly reduce stress levels. The research also indicates that participating in an organized group enhances the positive effects, and helps participants develop a walking habit.

The research team studied nearly 2,000 participants in England’s Walking for Health program, one of the largest public health initiatives with more than 70,000 participants across the UK. The study was the first of its kind to look at such a large group and to track the longer-term effects of outdoor group exercise. Not only did the nature walks enhance the walker’s mental well-being, but the fact that they were participating in a group activity meant that the walkers were more likely to stick to a walking routine.

Wildlife Slideshow: Have You Ever Seen...

10/3/2014

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This quarter's slideshow photos feature animals that are usually never seen by visitors, but thanks to the Wildlife Camera Monitoring Project, we can catch a glimpse of rare and nocturnal wildlife. Featured in this slideshow are the golden eagle, gray fox, great blue heron, barn owl, mountain lion, great horned owl, and bobcat.

Photos from the Irvine Ranch Conservancy Wildlife Monitoring Project.

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Smelly to Humans, Tasty to Coyotes -- How a Local Plant Got its Name

10/3/2014

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Don’t be fooled by this member of the cucumber family, they are strictly for the animals.

The Cucurbita foetidissima plant’s Latin name translates roughly to “stinking gourd,” and for those who have been up-close to this foul-smelling vine, using that translation as the common name makes perfect sense. The plant is found throughout the Southwest, where locals call it a variety of common names, but to nature lovers in Orange County the plant is most often called stinking gourd or coyote melon. As with many common names, both of these monikers have their own unique story.

Stinking gourd is a sprawling, low-growing vine that can spread up to 20 feet across. It produces very large roots, which after a few years can reach weights of over 220 pounds. Among the gray-green leaves, large, bell-like yellow flowers bloom and average 3 to 4 inches long and 1 to 2 inches wide. The softball-sized melon produced by the plant starts dark green with lighter green stripes, then turns yellow when ripe.

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New Mountain Bike Skills Course, Clinics for Fall

10/3/2014

The new course offers a variety of technical challenges near bike-ready trails.

Mountain biking offers a technical challenge that many find thrilling. However, riding down a rocky hill on a narrow trail is not the time or place for beginners to learn how to safely navigate over a slick boulder or cross through a dry riverbed. Riders who are new to mountain biking or looking to refine their skills now have a new course that allows for practice in a more relaxed environment.

At the Portola Staging Area in Irvine, staff and volunteers from Irvine Ranch Conservancy have constructed a skills course with areas for beginner, intermediate and advanced mountain bikers. The staff constructed features that mimic technical challenges found out on the land. Experienced mountain bikers will guide visitors through the variety of obstacles during regular, scheduled clinics.

Fall Harvest: Gathering Knowledge (and Acorns) from Coast Live Oaks

10/3/2014

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It’s acorn harvest season, and also time to check in on an innovative oak woodland restoration project.

In some cultures, the oak tree is sacred – a symbol of strength and longevity – and a coast live oak restoration project is underway in Limestone canyon to bring more of these sprawling and majestic trees to the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. After the first three years of growing seedlings through different methods, the Irvine Ranch Conservancy science team has found that the strength and longevity of a young oak is no match for a hungry mule deer.

The coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia) is one of just a few large trees native to the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. They provide shelter and food to wildlife, and while people may see the spiky leaves as threatening, mule deer eat them right up. And now that the seedlings at the oak restoration trial area are about 3 to 4 feet high, the dark green leaves are at the perfect height for deer to wander by and take a nibble. With 160 trees initially planted at the site, the grouping of oaks has become a bit of a snack bar for mule deer. It’s one of the more surprising lessons from the project, which started in 2011.

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Spend Native American History Month in Nature

Birds of the Landmarks, from the Mountains to Sea

Take a Hike to Stress Less

Wildlife Slideshow: Have You Ever Seen...

Smelly to Humans, Tasty to Coyotes -- How a Local Plant Got its Name

New Mountain Bike Skills Course, Clinics for Fall

Fall Harvest: Gathering Knowledge (and Acorns) from Coast Live Oaks

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