Blog Archives

New Hike Explores the New Moon in Orchard Hills

11/30/2012

Listen for nighttime critters during “Sounds of the Night.”

The lunar phase called “new moon” is when the moon is between the earth and the sun, obscuring the moon's reflected light. The new moon is significant to many religions and cultures, signifying a new month or even a new beginning. Taking a cue from the new moon, the City of Irvine and Irvine Ranch Conservancy are offering a new hike that takes place in the total darkness produced by this lunar phase.

“Sounds of the Night in Orchard Hills” is the opposite of the full moon hikes – rather than your eyes adjusting to the brightness of the full moon, the new moon casts no light. The hike will move slowly, wandering through Orchard Hills in Irvine. Although there are some ups and downs walking through the hills, it is not strenuous, and it will be an easy to moderate hike for most.

Stepping into Nature with a Safety Net

11/26/2012

Wilderness Access Days offer exploration opportunities with expert help.

Orange County's only National Natural Landmark is in the heart of Orange County, conveniently located for the more than 3 million county residents. Yet for some city dwellers, the issue is not distance -- it's the perception that wilderness may be a little too “wild.”

For folks who are yearning to take a walk on the wild side but don't know where to start, there are Wilderness Access Days. The nearly 40,000 acres across the center of Orange County known as Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks are mostly protected spaces, so not all of the properties have daily, self-guided access. Many docent-led programs are offered by OC Parks, City of Irvine and City of Newport Beach, but for those who want to learn how to explore on their own, Wilderness Access Days offer the ability to step into nature with a safety net.

Closing the Loop in Baker Canyon

11/26/2012

New bridge across Silverado Creek offers connection between Baker Trail and SilMod Trail.

Tackling the unique needs of trail construction and maintenance in the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks takes some ingenuity, creative thinking, and lots of heavy lifting. The most recent construction project opened on the trails is the Baker Bridge, a connection point in Black Star Canyon that weighs in at nearly 15 tons.

The bridge spans Baker Creek, allowing hikers, bikers and equestrians access to the SilMod Loop Trail without having to travel along Baker Canyon Road. This connecting path will make Black Star Canyon Wilderness Access Days more convenient for all participants, but few will think about the level of complexity involved in wilderness construction.

The Perfect Gift: 50,000 Acres of Open Space in One Book

11/23/2012

'Coastal Mountains to the Sea' tells the story of Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks through more than 150 brilliant photographs.

Have you ever tried to convey the majestic beauty of The Sinks to someone who has not set foot in Limestone Canyon? Have you said to a friend, "You should have been there!" after seeing deer prance through Weir Canyon?

Maybe you're not even the outdoorsy type, but would nonetheless enjoy exploring local open space and wilderness. One stunning book offers a solution: "Southern California Coastal Mountains to the Sea." For outdoor and photography enthusiasts alike, the book offers a visual tour of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks -- protected open space in the heart of Orange County designated as both a National Natural Landmark by the National Park Service and California's first State Natural Landmark.

Tips for Sharing Multi-Use Trails in Open Space

11/9/2012

Hikers, bikers and equestrians can enjoy trails safely by following simple guidelines.

Most trails within the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks are multi-use trails – they are shared by hikers and bikers, and many are shared with equestrians as well. Sharing a friendly "hello" as you pass along the trail is a common occurrence, but many trail users aren't sure about other aspects of trail courtesy.

Basic trail etiquette ensures both a safe and enjoyable time in the local open space. Similar to road traffic, trail traffic guidelines depend on your mode of transportation. Hikers yield to equestrians, whose horses have natural instincts of their own that may affect their behavior. Fast-moving bikers yield to both equestrians and hikers, who may not have time to react if not given enough notice to clear the way for the biker.

Watching the Seasons Change in Orange County

11/2/2012

Fall brings changes to local open space, if you know where to look.

While the term "fall foliage" might not come to mind while the weather is still warm, Orange County is indeed showing signs of the changing seasons. From the mountains to the sea, signs of autumn are evident throughout the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks.

On the ground, many native plants are "waking up" from their summer slumber and beginning to leaf. Other plants, such as Poison Oak (pictured), Buckwheat and the Sycamore tree change color just like their relatives on the East Coast.

In the air, the fall migration is in full swing, as migratory birds fly south to ride out the winter in a warmer climate. Birds such as the Cedar Waxwing and the Cinnamon Teal can be seen in flight over Orange County through December.

There are fall-themed programs coming up across the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. More information and registration is available at www.LetsGoOutside.org.

New Hike Explores the New Moon in Orchard Hills

Stepping into Nature with a Safety Net

Closing the Loop in Baker Canyon

The Perfect Gift: 50,000 Acres of Open Space in One Book

Tips for Sharing Multi-Use Trails in Open Space

Watching the Seasons Change in Orange County

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