Blog Archives

Plant Profile: Toyon

11/30/2022

Photo courtesy of Keir Morse.

When people think of California, the first image that often comes to mind is one of a glamorous old Hollywood filled with movie stars and a booming film industry. The image of vast open lands may not be the first thing people picture when thinking of California, but what if those two things are actually connected after all?

Legend has it, the name “Hollywood” stems from a plant found in California, specifically a shrub known as the toyon. This perennial shrub, native to the western part of California, is also known as the Christmas berry or California Holly for the bright red berries it produces, especially during the fall and winter. This nickname of California Holly is what allegedly sparked the idea for the name “Hollywood.”

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Giving Thanks For IRC Volunteers and Open Spaces

11/22/2022

IRC Volunteer Manager, Erica Korzep with IRC Volunteers at the 2022 Volunteer and Partner Celebration.

With Thanksgiving having flown by, it’s easy to get caught up in the festivities and forget what the holiday season is actually about. A delicious meal shared with loved ones and Black Friday steals are important to enjoy, but it’s also the time of year to give thanks for the things we take for granted. This year, Irvine Ranch Conservancy is showing gratitude for the open spaces throughout Orange County and for the wonderful partners and volunteers that keep them beautiful for us.

Take your gratitude outside this year and appreciate the wonders throughout Orange County. The Landmarks offer a variety of stunning destinations that are open to the public daily, as well as Wilderness Access Days and other programs that grant access to additional parts of the land. IRC is not only grateful to work with such amazing parts of the outdoors, but also for its partners. Through partnerships with OC Parks, City of Irvine and City of Newport Beach, we are able to work together and bring Orange County a number of free activities for all skill levels, restore and protect the lands, support research and train groups of volunteers.

Plant Profile: Common Fiddleneck

11/16/2022

The open spaces of the Landmarks are filled with a variety of wildlife and plant species. Some plants are easily recognizable, like the California Poppy, and some you may have never seen, such as the one featured in the above video.

The common fiddleneck can be spotted on the trails and identified by its slender bristled stem that coils at the top, resembling the head and neck of a violin or fiddle, giving the plant its name. Part of the “forget-me-not” family, the bright yellow-orange flowers can grow up to four feet tall.

Let’s Go Outside – Tell Us What YOU Want to See!

11/9/2022

Hikers exploring the outdoors in Orange County.

Whether you’re looking for information about specific trails or seeking outdoor activities to join, the Let’s Go Outside (LGO) website has everything you need to explore the great outdoors. Let’s Go Outside can be the ultimate resource for all things pertaining to Orange County's open space. The site contains not only history about the land, but also offers volunteer opportunities, programs and an index of trails, parks and reserves that are accessible throughout Orange County.

Just like our native wildlands often require being cleared of invasive species to make way for new growth–a similar makeover for the LGO website is about to be underway. The site offers wonderful properties already, but it’s time to create a more elevated experience for all LGO users. With a new look and new features coming soon, we’d love to get some feedback from the outdoor enthusiasts using LGO on a regular basis. That’s right–we want to hear from YOU!

Irvine Ranch Conservancy Staff Spotlight: Leland Sterbling - Program Coordinator

11/3/2022

Leland Sterbling, IRC Program Coordinator.

For those seeking new ways to opt outside and connect with nature, Wilderness Access Days provide the perfect opportunity to discover the wonders of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. Wilderness Access Days give the community a chance to explore parts of the open spaces of the Natural Landmarks in a self-guided manner and with extended access. WAD’s are open to all hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians of all levels.

If you plan on participating in an upcoming Wilderness Access Day, you’ll likely bump into the friendly face of Leland Sterbling. As an Irvine Ranch Conservancy Program Coordinator, Leland is responsible for coordinating and implementing public access programs. He also works closely with IRC volunteers to provide access to wilderness areas for public recreation, including those same areas and programs that make Wilderness Access Days possible.

Plant Profile: Toyon

Giving Thanks For IRC Volunteers and Open Spaces

Plant Profile: Common Fiddleneck

Let’s Go Outside – Tell Us What YOU Want to See!

Irvine Ranch Conservancy Staff Spotlight: Leland Sterbling - Program Coordinator

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