​The City of Irvine’s Open Space Preserve is home to a historically rich landmark known as Bommer Canyon. With over 4,000 acres of land, Bommer Canyon extends across tall sycamore groves to rough rock outcrops. Bommer Canyon’s vibrant nature and extensive history attracts walkers, hikers and nature enthusiasts for a spectacular outdoor experience!
 
Since 2005, Irvine Ranch Conservancy has been managing Bommer Canyon for the City of Irvine by restoring the natural habitat and developing community programs for visitors to enjoy. The land in Bommer Canyon was acquired in the early 1800’s by a man named Don Jose Sepulveda. In 1864, the land was then sold to Flint Bixby & Co. and their silent partner, James Irvine. Soon after, Irvine bought out his partners and took ownership of the land that became known as Rancho San Joaquin, Rancho Los Lomas de Santiago, Rancho Santiago de Santa Ana and eventually Bommer Canyon.

​Irvine Ranch Conservancy is thankful for its landowning partners: OC Parks, City of Irvine and City of Newport Beach
 
Like many of you, we at the Irvine Ranch Conservancy have much to be thankful for this holiday season, especially our partners.  Without OC Parks, the City of Irvine, and the City of Newport Beach, we wouldn’t be able to go outside with you and enjoy the natural wonders of our local wildlands.  We are so thankful that their partnerships allows us to do the important work of restoring and protecting the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks, and we are thankful for the community (that means you!) that we have all created together in that pursuit. 
 
Together with OC Parks, City of Irvine and the City of Newport Beach, the Irvine Ranch Conservancy has been able to:

​On Friday, May 17, Irvine Ranch Conservancy honored its volunteers and community partners at the 12th Annual Volunteer and Partner Celebration in beautiful Limestone Canyon. The celebration is an opportunity for Conservancy volunteers and partners to come together to celebrate the land and their shared goal of stewardship on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks.
 
Thanks to the stewardship efforts of Irvine Ranch Conservancy volunteers, nature lovers of all ages are able to continue to enjoy the natural beauty of the Landmarks. IRC volunteers made a significant impact by donating 41,500 hours of service in 2018. These hours come from a wide range of restoration projects, interpretive programs and volunteer-led activities. 

​Explore the open spaces in the City of Irvine during programs on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks
 
Located in central Orange County, the City of Irvine is a thriving metropolis where thousands of people work, study, and live. However, just miles away from the hustle and bustle of city life are expansive open spaces and protected nature preserves. From Bommer Canyon to the riparian community of Agua Chinon to paved Hicks Haul Road, the City of Irvine offers the community an array of parks, preserves, and programs on Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks.

Embrace Screen-Free Week and explore the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks.
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With all the technology people have right at their fingertips, it can be easy at times to forget what adventures await outdoors. National Screen-Free Week, May 2-8, is a program by the non-profit Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood encouraging people to put their smartphones away and embrace life beyond digital entertainment. Multiple locations within the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks are close to Orange County residents, so it’s the perfect place to go to grab a breath of fresh air and connect with the outdoors.

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.
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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.

Wildflowers are starting to appear in local canyons, but not all of these flowers are happy harbingers of spring. Some blooms are signs of invasive weeds threatening native plants and wildlife of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. And while spring is the season to spot native wildflowers, it’s also a critical time to remove one of the most dangerous and invasive threats to our protected wild lands: Sahara mustard. You can help by volunteering to remove this invasive weed and help restore wildlife habitat.

Sahara mustard (Brassica tournefortii) is a highly aggressive invasive weed that is more of an immediate threat to native flora and fauna than other, more-prevalent mustard such as black mustard (Brassica nigra). Despite Sahara mustard’s tiny, pale yellow flowers that look pretty for a short while, its ability to quickly and easily invade and replace healthy habitat makes it a prominent threat to the Landmarks. The weed can quickly spread its seed, grow rapidly, making it a top priority for removal before it establishes too much of a hold within the Landmarks. When invasive weeds drive out native plants, they also drive out the wildlife that depends on native plants for food and shelter. Public support is vital to stopping the weed’s spread and ensuring the continued protection of one of Orange County’s most diverse open spaces.

This year is a leap year, giving us 366 days in 2016 instead of 365. While the Earth takes some much-needed time to completely orbit around the sun, why not make the most of the extra 24 hours? With our unseasonably warm weather and ample sunshine, take advantage of this year’s bonus day by exploring outdoors with your family and friends.

There are plenty of family-friendly programs happening on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. To help choose the best one for your group, the LetsGoOutside.org site lists a “Difficulty Rating” with each activity.

The difficulty rating is based on factors including the activity’s distance, elevation gain, and trail surface to help visitors determine which program is right for them. Activities assigned a Level 1 or 2 Difficulty Rating are often slower paced and a great option to consider when looking to connect with the land while bonding with your family. All programs listed below are a Level 2 Difficulty Rating, making them an optimal outing for nearly anyone in your group. Each activity has a minimum age limit, so check that out on the website as well.

Trained naturalists help interpret the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks for the public in unique, memorable ways.

Spring is quickly approaching, making it the perfect time for those seeking greater appreciation of the outdoors to – as the saying goes – stop and smell the roses. But regardless if wildflowers are in bloom, interpretive programs on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks provide year-round opportunities for visitors to slow down and connect to the land in unique, memorable ways.

Programs on LetsGoOutside.org are broken up into categories – such as interpretive, hiking & fitness, and stewardship – to help visitors find what they’re looking for when visiting the Landmarks. Interpretive programs focus on helping people enjoy their time outdoors while also learning about nature. So if you’ve learned something new about the Landmarks while out on the trails that leaves you feeling more connected to the land, guess what – you’ve just had an interpretive experience! The National Association for Interpretation defines interpretation as “a mission-based communication process that forges emotional and intellectual connections between the interests of the audience and the meanings inherent in the resource.”

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.

Whether it’s staying fit, giving back to community or spending time with the family, give your New Year’s resolution a second wind at the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks.

Already slipping on your New Year’s resolutions? You may find the solution out on the trails.

​A study by Franklin Covey showed that 35 percent of people will have already broken those commendable promises by the end of January. If you’re at risk for joining that group, let the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks give your New Year’s resolution a second wind. Year after year, the most popular resolutions include getting healthy, trying something new, giving back to the community, and spending more time with the family; whichever of these resonate with you most, there’s an activity outdoors that can help you still make 2016 your best year yet.

Volunteers help native plants and wildlife return to Quail Hill Loop.

Though artichoke thistle may look attractive with its bright purple flower, there is no questioning this weed’s destructive nature to the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. Its aggressive root system and rapid leaf growth steals light, water and nutrients from native plants. Each plant can also produce tens of thousands of seeds per year that are blown by wind or hitchhike on animals. If left unchecked, artichoke thistle can quickly spread across a landscape, displacing native plant diversity in its path. The artichoke thistle is one of the worst threats to natural habitat within the City of Irvine Open Space Preserve’s Quail Hill.

Organizations work together to relocate mature plants to habitat restoration sites.

Did you know that our local coast prickly pear cactus is both a slow grower and a critical component of wildlife habitat? These iconic plants with their large, flat pads and colorful blooms can take a decade to grow just a couple of feet high. Yet mature-growth cactus is the primary nesting site for the coastal cactus wren, a species of special conservation concern in Southern California.

So when residential development was set to begin in the hills near Irvine, a unique partnership among the developer, land manager and conservation groups resulted in more than 100 mature plants being saved and relocated to nature preserve areas within the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. Not only did this project save plants that were estimated to be 30 years old, the relocated cactus enhanced habitat for the coastal cactus wren in habitat restoration areas.

Celebrate the new farm’s opening by planting seedlings that will be harvested for future habitat restoration.

The New Year brings new beginnings for all, and 2016 is off to an exciting start with the opening of an expanded Native Seed Farm. The original 12-acre farm, created in 2009, has relocated and expanded to 14 acres, with 8 acres of growing area ready to be planted. You can help get the new farm site off the ground by planting seedlings that will be harvested for future habitat restoration projects throughout the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks.

Winter is the optimal season for native species planting, and 15,000 native plant seedlings need to be in the ground at the new farm site by the end of February. Public support has been crucial to the farm’s success from day one, and will continue at the new site with twice-weekly volunteer opportunities tailored to fit each season. Irvine Ranch Conservancy staff have spent the past year planning and preparing the site, and now members of the community have a unique chance to plant tiny seedlings that will have a huge impact on successful habitat restoration.

Gather for 2015's last yoga class in Bommer Canyon. The program picks up again in the New Year.

End the year with a relaxing combination of hiking and yoga at Morning Yoga in Bommer Canyon on Wednesday, Dec. 16, from 9:30 a.m.-11 a.m. This is the last chance to gather in the City of Irvine’s picturesque Bommer Canyon for this Irvine Ranch Conservancy-led program before it breaks for the holiday season and resumes in the New Year.

​Rich in both Irvine Ranch lore and nature’s wonders, Bommer Canyon beckons walkers, hikers and yoga enthusiasts to enjoy the beautiful ancient oaks, sycamore groves and rough rock outcrops. Morning yoga participants will begin with a hike around a 1-mile loop, strolling through the local meadow and finding unity within nature. The hike will end at the yoga mats for a 45- to 60-minute guided yoga class, as the canyon slowly begins to warm for the day.

Irvine Ranch Conservancy invites visitors to a special Wilderness Access Day on Nov. 21 in Bommer Canyon to recognize its partners. 

Irvine Ranch Conservancy, a pioneering non-profit managing more than 30,000 acres of open space parks in Orange County, is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Over the last decade, the organization has partnered with public agencies such as OC Parks, City of Irvine and City of Newport Beach to connect people to globally-significant local wildlands.

“We started out with one trail and eight volunteers, and today we manage more than 150 miles of trails and support more than 800 volunteers who help provide nearly 2,000 public activities each year,” said Michael O’Connell, the Conservancy’s founding and current Executive Director. “With that capacity, our ability to offer opportunities for the community to connect to and help take care of these public natural resources has grown exponentially.”

Garden offers opportunity for up-close learning about native plants. 

Bommer Canyon is one of the most popular sites in the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. Visitors wander along the trails on foot and bicycle, enjoying the natural habitat. Many people want to know more about the plants and animals that live in this canyon, and the new Bommer Nature Garden will help visitors get up-close to the flora, fauna and history of this natural area.

​In 1867, Bommer Canyon served as the hub of James Irvine’s cattle operations. More than a century later the cattle operations ceased, and then in the early 1980s the City of Irvine purchased the property to create an open space preserve. Today, remnants of the cattle operations infrastructure dot the hills, embedded in the natural space to remind visitors of the site’s history.

Farm will move to a new location during the fall. 

When the Native Seed Farm was first started in 2009, a total of 23 species were planted. Today, there are 43 species grown on the farm, including some rare native plants looking to come back strong in the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. After producing nearly 3,000 pounds of seed at its current location, the successful Irvine Ranch Conservancy project is moving to a new location, with potential to grow even more. 

​The Native Seed Farm has been able to be so productive thanks to thousands of hours of volunteer time donated by the community. The new location will be easier to access, and will be conveniently located on Jeffrey Road, just north of Portola Parkway. The new site will start at 12 acres and have room to expand, with improved infrastructure that will allow for even more community volunteers to participate. 

Guided hikes along the two loop trails in Irvine’s Orchard Hills area begin in July.

The top of the Orchard Hills upper loop offers one of the most spectacular views available in the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. Soon visitors to this part of the City of Irvine Open Space Preserve will once again be able to enjoy the view – and the challenging climb to get there. The trails have been closed due to nearby construction, but are open for guided hikes beginning this summer.

Construction of a new trailhead facility is scheduled to be in early fall, but the over 3-mile trail system will open with a temporary staging area for interpretive and fitness programs guided on behalf of the City by Irvine Ranch Conservancy staff and volunteer naturalists.

Upcoming activity teaches pre-teens all about herpetology critters and careers.

Your kids’ interest in lizards, frogs and snakes today may turn into a career in the future. Encourage their outdoor inclinations with an activity that helps pre-teens answer the question “What do I want to be when I grow up?”

“J.O.Y. for Nature: Radical Reptiles” is an interactive outdoor class designed to help young participants consider a career as a herpetologist. From the Greek word “herpien,” meaning “to creep,” herpetology is the branch of zoology concerned with the study of reptiles and amphibians. This activity is part of an ongoing series targeted toward pre-teens, and those who participate will learn about what it takes to turn herpetology into a career.

A docent-led hike during Wilderness Access Day teaches parents the fundamentals of family hiking.

Hiking with kids can sometimes be a challenge. Making decisions about where to take them, how far to hike, what to bring and how to keep them interested and engaged along the trail can be tricky. A docent-led activity during the upcoming Wilderness Access Day in Bommer Canyon is designed to engage young minds while teaching adults important tips for successful family hiking.

Families are invited to register for the Exploring Bommer: All About Kids Family Hike, which will take place during Wilderness Access Day in Bommer Canyon on Saturday, June 20. The short 1.5-mile interpretive hike in the City of Irvine Open Space Preserve will take about 2 hours (out-and-back, 1 hour each direction) and is specifically designed for families with kids ages 3-6, although all ages are welcome.

Simple activities like weeding and watering make a big impact on healthy habitat.

Birds make nests in all kinds of places. Some carefully arrange sticks and twigs up high in the branches of tall trees. Others make nests out of mud or nest right on the ground. The coastal cactus wren (Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus sandiegensis) makes its home in patches of old-growth prickly pear cactus, which protects it from predators and the elements. Recent fires and past land uses have diminished the number of mature cactus stands in the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks, so local organizations are working to bring back coastal cactus wren habitat – and you can help.

Local students get the opportunity to help with habitat restoration projects through a partnership between the City of Irvine’s Youth Action Team and Irvine Ranch Conservancy.

As kids are more likely to look at a smart phone screen than a sunset these days, it’s harder to ensure that the next generation has an appreciation for local wilderness and open space. In the City of Irvine, a youth-oriented volunteer program is helping by encouraging kids to be environmentally-aware and give back to nature.

The Middle School Youth Action Team program is “an after-school community service based program where students have an opportunity to be actively involved in their community,” according to the city’s website, and one of the areas of volunteer focus is the environment. This group has partnered with Irvine Ranch Conservancy to provide local teens a way to give back and learn about preserving and restoring local wildlife habitat.

Landowners and partner groups are restoring hundreds of acres of open space wildlife habitat.

There are hundreds of acres of habitat restoration projects currently underway across the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. Restoring native habitat at a large scale is a challenge but is the most effective means of improving long-term habitat health in areas overrun by weeds. Many different landowners and partner groups perform habitat restoration projects, and there are many opportunities for the public to get involved. On behalf of landowners such as OC Parks, City of Irvine and City of Newport Beach, as well as agencies such as Orange County Transportation Authority, Irvine Ranch Conservancy currently manages nearly 200 acres of active habitat restoration, ranging in intensity from sites that need two years of site preparation, seeding, transplanting and site maintenance to sites with some existing native vegetation that just need weed control. Here are details for some of those projects: