​Catch a glimpse of spectacular creatures on the Landmarks
 
While there are many creatures on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks that could be considered spooky, wildlife including reptiles, arachnids, and birds of prey are an important part of the ecosystem – and oftentimes they’re more afraid of humans than we are of them! The open spaces are home to many rare and native species, and the fall season offers an ideal opportunity to enjoy the local lands and possibly spot a not-so-scary creature on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks.
 
First and foremost, it’s important for visitors to understand that the open spaces are a natural habitat and should be treated with reverence. Long distance viewing of plants and wildlife isn’t just a safety precaution: it’s meant to protect the environment and those enjoying the trails. During the fall season, visitors to the lands have an opportunity to catch a glimpse of fantastic wildlife, including tarantulas during their mating season, snakes sunbathing on trails or an owl looking for its next meal.

A year after the Canyon Fire and Canyon Fire 2, restorative and preventative efforts move forward on the open spaces
 
The fall season is in full swing and with it comes a change in weather and winds. October marks the one-year anniversaries of the Canyon Fire and Canyon Fire 2, and Irvine Ranch Conservancy staff, partners, and the Orange County Fire Watch Program are working with OC Parks to continuously implement programming to help restore and protect the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. Nearly 40,000 acres of open spaces are home to wildlife and various rare and native species, and the work of staff and volunteers is incredibly important during the Santa Ana wind season and year-round.
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The 2017 canyon fires affected Weir Canyon, Blind Canyon, parts of Fremont Canyon Nature Preserve and beyond, with assessment restoration efforts starting almost immediately after the fires were contained. All habitat types including coastal sage scrub, chaparral, grassland, oak woodlands, and riparian were affected by the fires, and most areas are showing signs of improvement and are expected to recover.

​Register for evening and nighttime guided activities and discover what flora and fauna thrives as the sun sets
 
As the sun sets earlier in the day and evening hours are extended, hikers, bikers, and equestrians can experience their favorite open spaces on Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks by registering for a moonlight, twilight, or evening hike. Visitors can enjoy the crisp air of the wildlands as the sun sets, and possibly spot creatures that prefer moonlight! Outdoor enthusiasts can escape the light and noise of urban neighborhoods and enjoy the serenity of the Landmarks as nature’s day shift concludes and the night shift begins.
 
Nocturnal and diurnal are familiar terms for periods of activity in plants and wildlife. Nocturnal animals like opossums, field mice, bats and owls thrive at night, under the moonlight, and diurnal animals like humans are most active during the day. However, there is another major category of animal activity and that is crepuscular, a term drawn from the Latin word for “twilight” and used for animals who are active primarily at dawn or dusk. These fickle crepuscular animals such as skunks, rabbits, and deer love the early morning sunlight and twilight, and lucky nature lovers may catch a glimpse of these creatures during activities on the Landmarks. 

​Register for Wilderness Access Day programs and enjoy self-guided trails
 
Calling all hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians! Visitors of all ages and interests can discover hiking trails and spot native plants and wildlife during Wilderness Access Day programs. Hosted on different open spaces across the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks, Wilderness Access Days welcome families, hikers, bikers, and equestrians with their own horse to enjoy the great outdoors. Trekkers can choose their own adventure monthly during Wilderness Access Days or daily on self-guided hiking trails while exploring their natural surroundings.
 
During Wilderness Access Days, trails vary in distance and level of difficulty with choices ranging from an easy stroll in the shade to strenuous 15-mile cardio hikes. While exploring the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks, remember to practice trail etiquette - bikers yield to hikers and bikers and hikers yield to equestrians. Whether traveling by foot, hooves, or wheels, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy trails on the Landmarks across OC Parks’ Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve, the City of Irvine’s Bommer Canyon, and OC Parks’ Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park.