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Butterfly Monitoring Progress Updates

3/16/2023

Butterfly habitat islands in Limestone Canyon.

With recent enhancement efforts to butterfly habitats in OC Parks’ Limestone Canyon, Irvine Ranch Conservancy has been focusing on the monitoring of these local pollinators to track population growth after recent nationwide declines. The monitoring efforts have been steered by IRC Project Coordinator, Catherine Le, who is responsible for analyzing wildlife activity throughout the Landmarks and works closely with teams of volunteers to enhance knowledge of wildlife patterns and study the effects of land management.

Butterfly monitoring in Limestone Canyon, where Catherine and her team of dedicated volunteers visit on a monthly basis, began years ago and includes data from as early as 2012. This abundance of data from over the years has shown a decline in butterfly populations, especially following recent wildfires in Limestone Canyon. During their monthly patrol, the volunteers are split into different groups that visit four separate routes, observing and recording the number of butterflies and flowering plants that are visible.

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Wildlife Spotlight: Western Pond Turtles

3/8/2023

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Western Pond Turtles

Irvine Ranch Conservancy is regularly involved in habitat restoration and enhancement projects that help restore and protect habitats for native plant and wildlife species. One current project includes managing and caring for a population of Western Pond Turtles living in City of Irvine’s Shady Canyon. What was formerly a cattle pond has been reconstructed to better hold water and provide more habitat for the turtles to hopefully support a threatened species in Orange County.

The Western Pond Turtle (Emys marmorata) is a freshwater turtle with shells averaging between seven and nine inches in length and can be recognized by their yellow stomachs and black spots and lines on their heads. Though these turtles could once be found all the way from Canada down to Baja, California, the number of Western Pond Turtles has significantly decreased over the years and populations can now be found mostly in southern Washington, Oregon, California and Nevada.

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Happy World Wildlife Day!

3/2/2023

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Today is World Wildlife Day–a day to celebrate all of the wild animals and plants in the world and the wonderful things they contribute to our lives and the health of the planet. The Irvine Ranch Conservancy is honoring this international day by highlighting a local, furry friend that can be spotted on the Landmarks: bobcats!

In celebration of World Wildlife Day, follow @irnlandmarks and follow the giveaway instructions for a chance to win an exciting prize perfect for outdoor enthusiasts!

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OC Waste and Recycling’s Free Compost Program

2/22/2023

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OCWR delivers compost to wetland enhancement project site.

Sustainability is a practice at the core of Irvine Ranch Conservancy’s mission of restoring, protecting, and enhancing the ecological health of urban wildlands throughout Orange County. A new program offered by OC Waste and Recycling (OCWR) supports the practice of sustainability by offering free compost and mulch to the community.

Composting is a process that takes organic materials and converts them into a nutrient-rich soil amendment, helping to revitalize degraded soil when mixed together. Composting also helps reduce methane emissions that come from organic waste in landfills and limits the need for chemical fertilizers. OCWR’s new program is offering STA Certified compost and mulch for free from Bee Canyon Greenery at the Frank R. Bowerman Landfill in Irvine and from Capistrano Greenery at Prima Deshecha Landfill in San Juan Capistrano. Orange County residents, commercial businesses, local cities, and government agencies are now able to request and schedule an appointment to pick up free compost and mulch from OCWR.

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Spadefoot Toad Pond Restoration and Enhancements

2/16/2023

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IRC staff and volunteers monitoring a spadefoot toad pond

The Western spadefoot toad is a species that has been commonly found throughout California’s Central Valley and in coastal ranges from just south of Monterey County all the way to Baja California, Mexico. Though the spadefoot toad spends the majority of the year burrowing up to three feet underground, following the wet and rainy season they emerge to produce the next generation of toads. In order for the breeding season to be successful, spadefoot toads require temporary pools or shallow streams that retain water for at least 35 days. However, due to California’s historic drought, the population of spadefoot toads on the Landmarks and surrounding areas has significantly decreased in recent years, so much so that they’ve been listed as a species of special concern under the National Community Conservation Planning program.

The main cause of this population decline is likely southern California’s dry conditions, which make it challenging for spadefoot toads to locate the shallow bodies of water necessary for breeding. As a result, Irvine Ranch Conservancy alongside OC Parks, The Nature Conservancy and the USGS have joined forces to help spadefoot toad breeding and overall survival with the implementation of a major habitat restoration and enhancement project in OC Parks’ Limestone Canyon.

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Learn About Native Plants and Orange County’s Ranching History at the New Bommer Canyon Nature Garden

2/8/2023

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Bommer Canyon Nature Garden before & after restoration work. Images courtesy of Irvine Ranch Conservancy.

The City of Irvine and Irvine Ranch Conservancy welcome nature lovers to experience the new Bommer Canyon Nature Garden, where visitors can learn about native habitats, local plant life, Orange County’s rich ranching history and why the area developed into a nature preserve.

Originally overrun by weeds and invasive plant species, the area located near the Bommer Canyon Cattle Camp was designated as the perfect site for an interpretive nature garden, so visitors can learn more about why Orange County’s native wildlands are an important part of the local ecosystem. The Bommer Canyon Nature Garden will take visitors on a journey through the history of the Irvine Ranch, guided by interpretive informational panels installed by IRC’s Planning and Infrastructure team. These panels will help visitors learn more about ranching techniques and old cattle camp equipment, as well as native plants from local coastal sage scrub, riparian and grassland habitat.

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Fire Watch Volunteer Program

2/2/2023

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As Southern Californians enjoy the brief rainy season, the upcoming drier and warmer weather not only means more outdoor adventures, but also means that wildfire season is just around the corner. The wildlands in Orange County, covered in coastal sage scrub and chaparral, dry out significantly during the hot summer months and are left with very low moisture. This dry landscape combined with Santa Ana winds and high temperatures leads to extremely high fire risk.

Wildfires are a growing concern in California and are most often started by humans, igniting from roads or other urban wildland interface areas. These wildfires spread quickly and can damage acres of land at a time. Through a collaborative partnership with Irvine Ranch Conservancy, OC Parks, City of Irvine, City of Newport Beach and Orange County Fire Authority, the Orange County Fire Watch program calls on volunteers to help watch for accidental or intentional fire ignitions.

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IRC’s 2022 Annual Report Recap

1/26/2023

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IRC's 2022 Annual Report

Over the course of the last year, Irvine Ranch Conservancy has helped thousands of individuals connect with nature while advancing efforts to restore and preserve Orange County’s native wildlands, including the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. The 2022 Annual Report recounts these efforts and highlights accomplishments from IRC’s core programs of work.

The Volunteer Management and Administration team is responsible for finding creative ways to not only recruit volunteers, but design pathways for volunteers to harness individual skills and passions in ways that give back to the land and visitors. In 2022 alone, IRC had 485 volunteers dedicate a total of 26,237 hours, translating to more than $933,000 worth of donated time.

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Wet Weather Trail Etiquette

1/19/2023

Wet weather trail damage.

While the recent influx of rain has been great for the land, providing much needed water for native plants and animals, there is no denying that the resulting trail closures have been tough. With so much of the landscape turning green, it’s only natural to want to get outside and explore. However, wet trails can be dangerous, and using these trails before they dry out can result in long term damage that will likely require further closures and extensive repairs.

During wet weather, the Irvine Ranch Conservancy team and its partners work diligently to monitor storm damage and trail conditions so we can quickly address any issues and reopen the trails once they are safe for use. During closures, it is important that everyone does their part to minimize damage. Soil in our region tends to have a high clay content, which is great for capturing and retaining moisture during rare Southern Californian rainstorms. However, this also creates really slippery conditions for hikers, bikers, and equestrians. It also means that once the soil dries out, any ruts or footprints will harden, creating potentially hazardous conditions. In other words, using wet and muddy trails can not only cause long-lasting damage to the trails, but it can also be dangerous for visitors.

IRC Staff Spotlight - Tomas Gonzales

1/12/2023

IRC's Infrastructure and Planning Team Member, Tomas Gonzalez.

The many trails throughout Orange County’s open spaces are what draw and allow visitors to soak in the natural beauty of the Landmarks. It’s easy to forget how much work actually goes into maintaining these hiking and biking trails to keep them available to the public. If not for team members like Tomas Gonzalez, part of IRC’s Infrastructure and Planning team, many of these beloved trails would fall into disrepair.

Working for the Irvine Ranch Conservancy for nearly three years now, Tomas is responsible for maintaining and building trails, fences, bridges and staging areas. Tomas faces new situations every day and has to be adaptable and prepared to manage whatever problems may arise. Luckily, Tomas is qualified and has experience operating heavy equipment like the excavator, loader and landscaping hand tools that are utilized for major projects.

Invasive Plant Profile - Tree Tobacco

1/5/2023

Tree tobacco removal in Agua Chinon.

Irvine Ranch Conservancy and its partners make it a goal to preserve the land and support natural habitats. With this mission, most plants are welcome in the open spaces of Orange County, but there are a few invasive plant species that can disrupt the unique biodiversity that make up the Landmarks. Tree tobacco (Nicotiana glauca), for example, is a species that has traveled far from its origins and continues to thrive throughout the lands.

Tree tobacco is a small, open tree that has rubbery, silver-blue leaves and grows clusters of tubular, yellow flowers. Originally native to South America, tree tobacco began as a decorative garden plant used to attract birds and has sprouted into something much larger, becoming an invasive plant throughout California. Growing rather quickly, tree tobacco seeds can bloom into trees of six to ten feet in height and are often found along trails, fields and roadsides in many native wildlands.

Happy New Year from Irvine Ranch Conservancy!

12/28/2022

Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve.

The Irvine Ranch Conservancy team is wishing all our friends and family a healthy and happy new year! IRC is extremely grateful for the hard work of our volunteers and a community of nature lovers whose continuing efforts enhance the Landmarks for everyone to enjoy.

As this holiday marks a clean slate, it’s a great time to set personal goals for the upcoming year. This year, IRC is encouraging the community to make getting outdoors and getting involved a priority for 2023.

Bird Monitoring on the Landmarks

12/21/2022

IRC's bird monitoring volunteers.

For years now, Irvine Ranch Conservancy has dedicated its efforts to bird monitoring and habitat restoration throughout the open spaces of Orange County, including OC Parks’ Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve, Agua Chinon and Weir Canyon. The data findings from these monitoring projects are significant as they contribute to IRC’s understanding of wildlife populations and the impact of rehabilitation and enhancement efforts.

Using a “point count survey,” 2-3 volunteers visit specific points on the land together and count every bird that’s seen or heard within five-minute intervals, recording the total number and species of birds observed. These point count surveys typically take place during the spring migration, April-June, and the fall migration, September-October, with an additional survey of overwintering birds occurring in January.

Butterfly Monitoring & Habitat Restoration

12/14/2022

Butterfly restoration and enhancement plots in Limestone Canyon.

Local pollinators, such as butterflies, are key to the health of native habitats on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. Native plants rely on them to help produce new seeds, which then create new plants, supporting a wide range of native wildlife. However, scientists have seen a general decline in pollinator populations throughout the world in recent years. In order to try and bolster local butterfly populations and ensure they thrive in Orange County for years to come, IRC staff and volunteers have been monitoring several species through regular butterfly counts and have begun enhancing butterfly habitat through a new project in OC Parks’ Limestone Canyon.

For more than a decade now, IRC volunteers have been doing point count surveys throughout the landmarks; counting the number and types of butterflies for a fixed period of time in a designated area so that IRC staff can understand how these butterfly populations are changing over time. This data also helps IRC’s Habitat Restoration and Enhancement team identify which butterfly species are in need of the most help, such as the Bernardino Blue and Monarch butterflies, and where to focus restoration efforts to have the most impact.

Landmarks Spotlight: Red Rocks

12/2/2022

With a fascinating history of beekeeping and mining, legends of hauntings, unique geological formations and rich plant and wildlife, Black Star Canyon has been a prominent talking point throughout Orange County for years. As the gateway to the backcountry of the Cleveland National Forest and the Santa Ana Mountains, Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park contains countless natural wonders that continue to attract visitors from day to day.

One of the major attractions of Black Star Canyon is a striking geological formation known as the Red Rocks. The two-toned Red Rocks highlight the ever-changing landscape and the rich history that has carved its way through the canyon. These sedimentary rocks were formed approximately 20-40 millions years ago during the Cenozoic Era, when the climate was changing from humid to dry.

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.”

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.

Wildlife Spotlight: Tarantulas

10/26/2022

Tarantula on the Landmarks.

With the fall season upon us and Halloween just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to talk about a creepy, crawly critter that might be spotted on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. With fangs, big, hairy bodies and eight, long legs, tarantulas often get thrown into the category of things you hope to never bump into while exploring the outdoors.

Though tarantulas are often seen as dangerous, these spiders are actually harmless to humans aside from a slightly painful bite. Venom from a tarantula’s bite is inflammatory but has less of an effect than a bee’s sting. Their bite may not be lethal, but it’s still best to admire these critters from a safe distance and not aggravate them.

Wildlife Spotlight: Canyon Bat

10/20/2022

The Canyon Bat. Photo by J. Scott Altenbach.

Fall is in full swing in Orange County, bringing cooler weather, crisp air and early sunsets to the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. With the sun setting earlier, you may notice more sightings of nocturnal animals roaming the Landmarks. Species of animals like bats often get a bad reputation thanks to spooky tall tales, but these flying mammals play a critical role in the local ecosystem.

The Canyon Bat is one of the many bat species that can be found on the Landmarks, as they establish their homes in deserts, woodland, and shrubland habitats. Canyon Bats are not known to migrate far distances and often stay in the same area throughout the year, roosting in burrows, among boulders or cracks and crevices of rocks. This bat species is identified by their dark face, ears and wings, with light-colored fur that can range from a pale yellow to orange-yellow and gray-brown.

Invasive Plant Profile: Black Mustard

10/13/2022

Black Mustard (Brassica nigra). Photo courtesy of Keir Morse.

A variety of lush greenery and brightly colored flowers can be found while hiking through the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks, but not all of the blooms we see are native to the land. Brassica nigra, or the black mustard, is an invasive plant that can reach up to six feet tall in a single growing season. Its bright yellow, four-petaled flowers bloom from April to July.

This winter annual plant is native to tropical regions of North Africa, temperate regions of Europe, and parts of Asia. In California, this invasive weed is common in coastal areas at lower elevations. In disturbed areas such as roadsides, fields, and grasslands this plant forms single-species stands.

Activities Resume at the Native Seed Farm Starting October 14

10/6/2022

Volunteers at IRC's Native Seed Farm.

Dust off your gardening gear because activities at Irvine Ranch Conservancy’s Native Seed Farm will return on October 14! After the area was impacted by the 2020 Silverado Fire, the IRC team halted public activities in order to repair the Farm’s damaged irrigation system and replant perennial native plants used for seed harvesting.

Beginning October 14, nature enthusiasts can help support Orange County’s native wildlands by helping IRC staff behind the scenes at the one-of-a-kind Native Seed Farm in Irvine. Depending on the needs of the Farm, participants will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of tasks such as harvesting seeds from beautiful native plants, tending to younger seedlings in the nursery, or working in the native plant demonstration garden – a new feature on the Farm. The demonstration garden will educate visitors about native plants found in Orange County, as well as how these plants can be used in a variety of ways.

Limestone Canyon’s Shoestring Trail Reopens Ahead of Wilderness Access Day

9/29/2022

A view of Shoestring Road and the spadefoot toad habitat restoration site from West Loma Ridge.

OC Parks’ Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve is a lush canyon full of oak woodlands, streamside habitats, and a rich diversity of native plants and animals, making it an exciting place for hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians to explore. Since the 2020 Silverado and Bond Fires, Irvine Ranch Conservancy has been working to restore Limestone Canyon’s trails and infrastructure, while also making some improvements along the way.

Recently, IRC’s Planning and Infrastructure team and OC Parks maintenance staff collaborated to help restore the Shoestring Trail, which will be open ahead of this Saturday's Limestone Canyon Wilderness Access Day. The trail created in 2010, makes a loop between Shoestring Road, West Loma Ridge, Hicks Haul Road, and the Augustine Staging Area, and is considered difficult due to the steep nature of the terrain. During the Bond Fire, the Shoestring Trail bridge was burned and needed replacing to make the trail safe once again. The IRC team took the opportunity to not only replace the bridge crossing, but to make other enhancements as well.

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