​From lizards and mice to tarantulas and bats, the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks are filled with a variety of native creatures, including several rare species. While many of these critters are known for their creepy appearance, they are in fact an important part of the ecosystem and are often more afraid of us than we are of them! The Halloween season brings the perfect opportunity to re-think the reputation of some of these extraordinary creatures. See if you can get a glimpse of a tarantula or a bat colony while enjoying the crisp fall air on a hike or bike ride. Keep in mind that the open spaces are a natural habitat. If you come across an animal, do your part to ensure your safety and protect the environment by maintaining a long viewing distance.
 
During the fall, tarantulas can be spotted all throughout the trails. A member of the spider family, tarantulas have eight legs, which are much larger, thicker and hairier than most other spiders that live in the United States. Although tarantulas are sometimes seen as creepy, they are not aggressive and can easily be admired from a distance. Just don’t get too close or touch them – an aggravated tarantula’s bite, while not lethal, releases an inflammatory amount of venom. It’s best to leave these creatures in peace so they can play their important role in the ecosystem: tarantulas help keep things in balance by eating large insects and small vertebrates like lizards and mice.

Throughout the year, Irvine Ranch Conservancy works diligently to produce native seed that supports habitat restoration efforts across the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. Since 2009, Irvine Ranch Conservancy’s Native Seed Farm has played a key role in these efforts by providing a reliable source of local native seed, while also creating unique opportunities for the community to connect with the land.
 
The seed production cycle starts with hand collection of a small batch of native seeds from the wildlands. Those seeds are the source material for the large plots of native plant species that are maintained on the farm. Seed production is a year-round effort. Since native plants are adapted to our Southern California climate, they grow in the cool, moist winters and bloom in the warm spring and summer sunshine. To align with this natural timing, annual wildflower seeds are sown on the farm in November and germinate with the winter rains. Perennial species are grown in the nursery over the summer, and seedlings are planted into farm plots in December and January. 

​​Innovation in science, research and monitoring is central to Irvine Ranch Conservancy’s commitment to long-term land stewardship and restoration. The Conservancy collaborates with partners on the land to implement large-scale habitat restoration, remove invasive plant and animal species, monitor sensitive natural resources, and conduct scientific research to improve management over time.
 
As a Senior Project Manager for Irvine Ranch Conservancy, Robert Freese is an integral part of the short- and long-term planning of restoration efforts on the Landmarks. With a background in restoration planning, design, monitoring, and adaptive management, Robert oversees the restoration of upland and riparian habitats throughout the open space.

​As the fall season approaches and cooler temperatures set in, the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks are the perfect destination for nature lovers. In Southern California, the seasonal change also brings increased risk of wildfire throughout the region, including the 40,000 acres of open space that make up Irvine Ranch.
 
With the lack of rainfall over the summer months, much of the open space vegetation has become extremely dry and susceptible to fire. Dry and hot Santa Ana winds during the fall months contribute to increased wildfire risk. Wildfires pose a serious threat in Orange County, making it essential for residents to help prevent wildfires from starting and stay prepared in case a wildfire occurs in their area.