Join stewardship efforts on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks during December in honor of International Volunteer Day
 
Irvine Ranch Conservancy is celebrating the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks and its stewardship programs during the month of December, in honor of International Volunteer Day – traditionally held on December 5. Nature lovers are invited to join the celebration by registering for stewardship programs that offer an opportunity to give back to the environment while connecting with the local lands.
 
This international day of volunteer recognition and action was founded by the United Nations, and the Conservancy encourages everyone to participate by volunteering during the month of December and beyond. The Landmarks span nearly 40,000 acres of open spaces, with many reoccurring stewardship opportunities that invite the community to become ambassadors of the lands. Getting involved as a volunteer is as easy as participating in a hike, volunteering on the Native Seed Farm, pulling an invasive weed, or helping out with trail maintenance.

Work off your Thanksgiving meal and #OptOutside this weekend.
 
Avoid the shopping chaos this weekend and #OptOutside.  The Irvine Ranch Conservancy hosts over 2,500 free public activities through LetsGoOutside.org annually, including hiking, biking, equestrian, and restoration programs, and this weekend is no exception.  Besides, there is no better way to burn off the calories from turkey, stuffing and pumpkin pie than exploring the great outdoors.     
 
The Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks offer the community a multitude of trails with diverse plants, wildlife, and geological wonders to discover. As the weather is cooling down and the holiday season is upon us, community members can escape to the Landmarks and enjoy the fresh air of the outdoors. Work off those holiday treats by participating in a variety of hiking and fitness activities offered on the open spaces. 

​Meet Dr. Nathan Gregory, Director of Science and Stewardship
 
Innovation in science, research and monitoring is central to the mission of the Irvine Ranch Conservancy. Our Science & Stewardship team collaborates with partners and colleagues to implement large-scale ecological restoration, remove invasive plant and animal species, monitor sensitive natural resources, and conduct scientific research to improve management over time.
 
Dr. Nathan Gregory was recently promoted to Director of the Science and Stewardship Department at the Irvine Ranch Conservancy, working to apply the best science and practice to the long-term adaptive management of the land. Early in his career, Nathan worked on invasive species control and wildlife conservation and management issues in Hawaii, Alaska, and Colorado, and he later earned his Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Princeton University, where he studied the effects of land use, particularly managed fire and grazing, on bird communities in Kenya. Nathan then worked as a research ecologist and project manager for the non-profit Institute for Wildlife Studies (IWS) focusing on the conservation of the desert tortoise in the Mojave Desert and the recovery of the San Clemente Island fox. 

​Spend time with friends and family enjoying the local lands in honor of our Vets
 
From the sprawling vistas of Loma Ridge to the beauty of Black Star Canyon and beyond, the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks offer nature lovers an opportunity to explore the open spaces. Consider gathering friends and family for a day of fresh air and exercise by registering for a program or enjoying self-guided trails on the Landmarks in honor of Veterans Day.
 
“We’re incredibly appreciative of our vets and their service to our country. Veterans Day weekend is a great opportunity to celebrate their service with loved ones and explore what the Landmarks have to offer,” commented Dave Raetz, Irvine Ranch Conservancy Deputy Director.