Irvine Ranch Conservancy
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Volunteers Can 'Adopt a Grassland' This Spring

4/1/2016

 
PictureA gust of wind blows through the native grass littleseed muhly (Muhlenbergia microsperma) along Agua Chinon in Limestone Canyon.
Public support is needed to help large-scale restoration project re-introducing native grasses to the Landmarks.

The spring green you see covering the hills hides a dirty secret: A lot of that green comes from non-native grass that will die in the summer and become potential fuel for wildfire. The ranching history of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks includes plants that were brought here to support cattle grazing in the hills. Now that land managers are restoring local habitat for the benefit of wildlife, attention is being turned to the importance of re-introducing native grasses.


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Seeing "Green" Around the Landmarks

3/11/2016

 
PictureVisitors can see how green the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks currently are on a variety of upcoming programs.
From the dark leaves of coastal scrub oak and black sage, to the bright hues of coyote brush and coastal prickly pear cactus, St. Patrick’s Day green is a common color around the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks this time of year. Recent rains and the winter season – when native plants come out of dormancy – have made the green shades even more prominent.
​
There are a variety of activities out on the Landmarks the week of St. Patrick’s Day to spot green in full force, whether during a fast-paced hike, an interactive outdoor adventure or volunteer opportunities giving back.


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Share the Landmarks with Someone Special

2/5/2016

 
PictureValentine's Day is the perfect time to spot hearts out in the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks.
Give those who matter most to you the gift of quality time together outdoors this Valentine’s Day.

Wildflowers are starting to bloom; the sun is out a bit longer each night; and if you look up in the sky, you just might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of raptors courting – all sure signs Valentine’s Day is nearing in the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. Rather than book a reservation at a crowded, overpriced restaurant to celebrate, surprise your loved one this year with an outdoor adventure.

​Whether it’s a romantic night hike, an adventurous outing, or an excursion for the whole family, show the people who matter most to you one of the most special sights in Orange County by exploring the Landmarks together this Valentine’s Day. Read more below to see which activity is right for you.


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Bettering Your Bird Knowledge

11/6/2015

 
PictureThe yellow-rumped warbler has returned to the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. Photo courtesy of David Furseth.
The Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks provides a perfect backdrop to catch sight of birds that have nested after fall migration.

​While color-changing trees and native plants beginning to leaf might catch the eye of Orange County residents desperate for signs of autumn, there are more clues high in the sky that fall is upon us: birds! October was peak season for fall migration, and luckily the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks’ balmy Mediterranean climate provides a perfect escape from colder temperatures for the large variety of migratory birds making their way south.


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Lending a Hand to Habitat Restoration

10/30/2015

 
Picture
The few can be mighty, and nothing better attests to that than the work and rewards of community stewardship.

Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks are rich in oak-filled valleys, expansive grasslands and plentiful coastal sage. Protecting those lands from invasive non-native plants to keep wildlife thriving takes attentive, consistent and continuous dedication.

This is where community volunteers have the biggest impact – dedicating muscle and manpower to protecting nearly 40,000 acres of open space. Even the smallest amount of effort goes far in habitat restoration; for instance, a modest team of workers last week pulled 20,000 invasive plants from OC Parks’ Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve in just two days.


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    About

    Welcome to the Irvine Ranch Conservancy "News from the Field" blog. These articles are written by Conservancy staff about activities and projects in and near the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. 

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Irvine Ranch Conservancy  •  4727 Portola Pkwy. Irvine, CA 92620  •  714-508-4757  •  info@irconservancy.org

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  • Home
  • What We Do
    • Resource Management
    • Planning & Field Operations
    • Public Participation
    • Landmarks Blog
  • About Us
    • Meet the Team
    • Our Partners
    • Careers
    • Contact Us
  • Volunteer