Category: Family Friendly

Things to Do During Wilderness Access Day in Black Star Canyon

2/27/2020

A picturesque route in Black Star Canyon

Now that the weather is starting to warm up and signs of spring are sprouting across the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks, nature enthusiasts interested in exploring the Landmarks should look no further than Silverado - home to Black Star Canyon. An easy gateway to the backcountry of the Cleveland National Forest and the northern Santa Ana Mountains, Black Star Canyon has a combination of fascinating local history, geological formations, and a variety of native flora and fauna.

With Black Star Canyon’s inland location, winter and spring are ideal seasons to explore the area and all it has to offer, while wildflowers are in bloom and before temperatures get too hot. Nature lovers are invited to explore Black Star Canyon and Baker Canyon during the upcoming Wilderness Access Day on Saturday, March 7 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Here are four great reasons to explore Black Star Canyon during Wilderness Access Day:

Five Reasons to Enjoy the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks During Wintertime

1/2/2020

Enjoy the fresh air with friends and family

The holiday rush is finally over, so enjoy some peace and quiet and hit the trails this winter! Start the new year off right by rejuvenating your mind in nature. Whether you prefer to hike, bike or participate in restoration work, take time to explore what Orange County has to offer. Need a little convincing? Here are five great reasons to explore the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks during the winter season!

1. For Some Peace and Quiet - Unwind from all of the holiday cooking, shopping and celebrating with some peace and quiet outdoors.

2. To Enjoy the Views - Explore the diverse landscapes of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks! From the breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean to the mountain views seen from the canyons, there are plenty of incredible sights to see.

Take Learning Outside the Classroom with Irvine Ranch Conservancy

9/11/2019

Hikers and a docent in Limestone Canyon

The Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks are home to a variety of diverse habitats within Orange County, bringing many opportunities to experience and learn from the wonders of nature! Expand your learning experience with nature while exploring the perfect outdoor classroom. From the beautiful mountains and trails to the unique flora and fauna found across the Landmarks, there are so many fun and exciting features to discover.

Irvine Ranch Conservancy, along with OC Parks, the City of Irvine and the City of Newport Beach, offers a variety of free educational and interactive activities on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks that are sure to enrich every visitor’s experience with nature. Next time you log into LetsGoOutside.org, make sure to explore all of the interpretive activities offered on the land.

Exploring the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks with Kids

9/5/2019

A kid-friendly hike in Bommer Canyon

Spending time on local trails is a great way to get your family out of the house for a fun adventure. With 40,000 acres of open space, Orange County residents have access to one of the most biologically diverse landscapes in the world, so why not experience it with your children? Introducing little ones to the outdoors and allowing them to experience nature is the best way to grow the next generation of nature enthusiasts, while making life-long family memories.

Taking kids out on trails might seem challenging, but if you’re properly prepared, everyone is bound to have a great time! Before you head out to explore the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks with your kids, Irvine Ranch Conservancy has some helpful tips to keep in mind.

Celebrate Father's Day on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks

6/13/2019

Father and daughter on the trails

Celebrate Father’s Day outdoors and enjoy the priceless gift of nature with your dad! The picturesque Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks offer spectacular outdoor experiences from the expansive mountainous trails overlooking Orange County, to the bright natural wildland along the coast. With the help of Irvine Ranch Conservancy and LetsGoOutside.org, you’re sure to find the perfect outdoor adventure this Father’s Day!

Families looking to create their own adventure over Father’s Day weekend can enjoy self-guided access on several of Orange County’s vast open spaces and preserves. Discover a variety of different trails in the City of Irvine’s Bommer Canyon and Quail Hill, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Irvine Regional Park or the City of Newport Beach’s Buck Gully Reserve.

Learn on the Landmarks with Interpretive Programming

2/14/2019

A hike for all ages

Interpretive programs help visitors connect with nature through unique experiences

If you’re looking to learn more about local Orange County habitats, then look no further and check out the interpretive activities offered by Irvine Ranch Conservancy and its partners. You’ve probably noticed the different categories while browsing activities on LetsGoOutside.org, and might have been left wondering what exactly an interpretive activity is. Interpretive activities are designed to focus on helping visitors enjoy their time outdoors, while also learning about nature. Led by Irvine Ranch Conservancy volunteers, some interpretive activities are interactive while others are more of an educational discussion. No matter what you’re interested in, there’s bound to be an interpretive activity for you!

Have you ever wondered what happens on the Landmarks when the sun goes down? Irvine Ranch Conservancy Full Moon Hikes give hikers the chance to experience the trails after sunset, taking in the night sounds and smells under moonlight, while discussing the night sky. These popular hikes are for a range of different ages, so be sure to check the difficulty rating before signing up.

Explore Quail Hill

1/24/2019

Young Quail Hill hikers

Families, fitness enthusiasts, and dog lovers can all experience this unique trail daily, from dawn to dusk

The 2.8 acre Quail Hill Trailhead opened to the public in June of 2007 and is conveniently located near the 405 freeway on Shady Canyon Drive. Despite the trail’s close proximity to the freeway, the loop is removed enough to provide a peaceful outdoor experience for bikers, hikers, and your four-legged friends. The Landmarks feature many special places unlike anywhere else and among them, the Quail Hill Preserve is a distinctive and ideal location for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels. Quail Hill hosts stewardship activities and docent-led hikes monthly and is open for self-guided access daily, from dawn to dusk.

Unlike other wilderness trails within the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks, Quail Hill is the only trail open to dogs, as long as they are on a leash and stay on the trail. Quail Hill also hosts the first trailside cell phone audio tour in Orange County where you can dial in for free to hear natural resource interpreters and researchers explain important features along the trail. The audio tour can be enjoyed while on the trail or from anywhere with a phone or any other portable device. Visit www.letsgooutside.org/quail-hill for more information on how to dial in to listen to the tour.

Opt Outside and Give Thanks!

11/20/2018

Hikers in Limestone Canyon

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.

Choose Your Own Adventure on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks

10/3/2018

Register for Wilderness Access Day programs and enjoy self-guided trails

Calling all hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians! Visitors of all ages and interests can discover hiking trails and spot native plants and wildlife during Wilderness Access Day programs. Hosted on different open spaces across the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks, Wilderness Access Days welcome families, hikers, bikers, and equestrians with their own horse to enjoy the great outdoors. Trekkers can choose their own adventure monthly during Wilderness Access Days or daily on self-guided hiking trails while exploring their natural surroundings.

During Wilderness Access Days, trails vary in distance and level of difficulty with choices ranging from an easy stroll in the shade to strenuous 15-mile cardio hikes. While exploring the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks, remember to practice trail etiquette - bikers yield to hikers and bikers and hikers yield to equestrians. Whether traveling by foot, hooves, or wheels, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy trails on the Landmarks across OC Parks’ Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve, the City of Irvine’s Bommer Canyon, and OC Parks’ Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park.

Discover the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks from Dawn to Dusk with Self-Guided Access Trails

8/16/2018

Self-guided cyclists exploring the trails

Learn more about the areas open daily for hikers, bikers, and equestrians

The Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks are comprised of nearly 40,000 acres of open space and wildlands. The Landmarks are full of rare biologically diverse plant life, historic terrain ranging from coastlines to rugged mountain ridges, and hundreds of species of wildlife including bobcats, eagles, and badgers. Visitors of all ages can explore the open spaces daily from the inland mountains to the coast through self-guided access on several trails throughout the county.

Bommer Canyon
Located alongside Crystal Cove State Park and OC Parks’ Laguna Canyon Wilderness Park, the City of Irvine’s Bommer Canyon offers explorers a variety of trails to explore on their own or through docent-led programs. Open from dawn to dusk, families can enjoy a stroll down a meandering trail while seasoned hikers can take on steep technical trails. Hikers and mountain bikers have the opportunity to explore the mature coastal sage scrub ecosystem and discover the rich local history of one of Orange County’s last cattle camps in operation. Equestrians can also enjoy Bommer Canyon May 1 through November 30.

Families Enjoy Activities on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks

8/10/2018

IRC Staff lead members of the media and their families on a hike in Baker Canyon

A hosted showcase of morning programs highlights the diversity of youth activities on the Landmarks

The Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks offers a wealth of geologic formations, rare habitats, and hundreds of species of plant and wildlife. Nature lovers of all ages can explore and discover the natural wonders of the Landmarks through guided programs throughout the year. Visitors can immerse the whole family in nature through stewardship, interpretive, and hiking programs while connecting with the lands. Irvine Ranch Conservancy was pleased to host a media event showcasing popular kid-friendly programs offered on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks.

“Whether a first-time or frequent visitor to the Landmarks, there are many programs for kids to enjoy while developing interest in the lands. This event was a great opportunity to highlight a few of the amazing programs kids can experience with the whole family,” commented Scott Graves, Irvine Ranch Conservancy Communications Manager. “Introducing the wonders of nature to kids at a young age can not only help them learn about the open spaces around them, but help them form a true appreciation for the local lands.”

Celebrate Mother’s Day with Mother Nature

5/3/2018

Families go for a hike in Round Canyon

Enjoy a variety of activities on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks next week in celebration of Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is quickly approaching, so consider trading the typical brunch and expensive flowers for an adventure with mom on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. Visitors can celebrate Mother’s Day with the sweet smells and sights of nature while making lasting memories with the whole family. Whether registering for a hiking, interpretive, or stewardship program, there are several opportunities to celebrate mom and Mother Nature all week long.

Boys & Girls Club Explore the Landmarks during Earth Day Field Trip

4/26/2018

Members of the Boys and Girls Club on a hike near Black Star Canyon

Learn about the field trip and kid-friendly activities the whole family can enjoy

From OC Parks’ geologic wonder, Limestone Canyon, to the City of Irvine’s expansive Bommer Canyon, the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks are home to diverse trail systems and natural habitat waiting to be explored by the community. The Landmarks provide outdoor enthusiasts of all ages a variety of opportunities to experience and connect with the lands. Children as young as 8 have the chance to build a lifelong love and greater appreciation for nature through several different hiking, stewardship, and interpretive programs.

In honor of Earth Day, the Boys and Girls Club had the chance to explore nature in their backyard with a field trip to the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. Sponsored by the Irvine Company and the Donald Bren Foundation, Irvine Ranch Conservancy hosted the field trip to give local 4th and 5th graders the opportunity to learn about habitat, native plants, and wildlife.

Enjoy Spring Break with Family on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks

3/9/2018

After Work Fitness Hike on the paved Hicks Haul Road

Explore the Landmarks during springtime stewardship and fitness programs

Springtime in Orange County often brings warm weather with clear skies, fresh blooms, and new wildlife throughout the protected wildlands and open spaces. Families looking to spend time together and explore their natural surroundings over spring break can join stewardship and fitness activities on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. No matter what week spring break falls, there are diverse opportunities on the Landmarks to get outside, stay active, and connect with the local lands!

Enjoy Nature at Your Own Pace with Self-Guided Access Trails

1/12/2018

Visit the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks and start the New Year Outdoors

January represents a fresh start as a new year arrives, and can be a time to re-set and focus on goals to achieve in the New Year. While half the country is greeted with cold temperatures and snow in the winter months, Southern California residents have an opportunity to get outside in the sunshine and start the New Year off on the right foot. Grab a pair of hiking boots and enjoy favorable temperatures and fresh air on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. Hikers and bikers can take advantage of the warm weather and hit the trails daily for self-guided access on several of Orange County’s vast open spaces and preserves.

Kick-start 2018 on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks

12/28/2017

Explore the great outdoors for fresh air & exercise in the New Year.

The New Year inspires people across the county and beyond to set goals to improve their quality of life. Every January people are often inspired to get healthy, spend more quality time with family and friends, and give back to the community. If there’s a resolution on your list that involves more time spent outdoors, there are many opportunities to get outside and enhance your lifestyle on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. Visit www.LetsGoOutside.org or read below to browse an array of programs and activities to jump start New Year’s resolutions for a brighter 2018.

Spend Labor Day Weekend on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks

9/1/2017

Relax with family and friends on the open spaces during the long weekend and beyond!

As the sun begins to set on the summer season and signs of fall draw near, there’s no better time to explore the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks than now! Labor Day weekend is an opportunity to escape the daily grind and discover the natural resources and wildlife in your own backyard. Whether looking to explore the great outdoors by foot, bike, or even horse, a variety of activities welcome nature lovers to explore the Landmarks during Labor Day weekend and beyond.

Labor Day weekend symbolizes the end of summer and offers people with busy lifestyles a chance to step away from the daily stresses of life and enjoy what matters most. Make time to slow down and enjoy Orange County’s natural habitats by registering for a free program on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks.

Explore the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks During Family-Friendly Programs

7/14/2017

Families can explore the sights, sounds, and smells of the Landmarks during slower-paced hikes and other family-friendly programs.

Skip the screens and devices and head to the Landmarks for outdoor family fun, fresh air, and exercise this summer!

School is out and summertime is the perfect season to gather the family and head to the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. Exploring the local lands is a way to disconnect from electronics and reconnect your little ones, tweens, and teens with the great outdoors. The Landmarks are home to many programs that nature lovers as young as eight years old can enjoy, so set aside the screens and devices and head to the open spaces for a family-friendly program on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks.

Celebrate National Take a Walk in the Park Day on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks

3/23/2017

Enjoy Take a Walk in the Park Day at locations including the City of Irvine's Quail Hill trails.

Hit the trails and connect with nature on Thursday, March 30 in recognition of National Take A Walk in the Park Day.

“In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.” – John Muir

Looking for a reason to enjoy the great outdoors? National Take a Walk in the Park Day on Thursday, March 30 is the perfect catalyst to enjoy fresh air and exercise on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. The Mediterranean climate that occurs on the Landmarks in Southern California is found in only five locations across the globe, but contains nearly 20 percent of the world’s known plant species. With a vibrant wildflower season in bloom, there’s never been a better time to visit the lands. Register for a program or explore designated trails for self-guided access in celebration of National Take a Walk in the Park Day.

Enjoy Family Fun on the Landmarks During Favorable Winter Weather

1/27/2017

Enjoy one of the many family-friendly hikes on the Landmarks.

Children and adults can beat the winter doldrums by registering for programs on the local open spaces.

The winter season has been bringing much needed rain to the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks, but the skies are clearing up and giving nature lovers an opportunity to get back outside and enjoy Southern California’s Mediterranean climate. The favorable weather is perfect for kids with cabin fever, and the Landmarks welcome families to register for programs that help children learn about the natural habitat while enjoying fresh air and exercise. From the Junior Ranger Walk in OC Parks’ Laguna Coast Wilderness Park to Wee Wonder Walks in the City of Irvine’s Bommer Canyon, there’s an activity for nearly all ages.

Trade TV for the Trails

4/21/2016

Embrace Screen-Free Week and explore the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks.

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.

Seeing "Green" Around the Landmarks

3/11/2016

Visitors 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.

Leap into the Landmarks

2/19/2016

Take a cue from mule deer and leap into the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks during a variety of docent-led programs.

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.

Interpretive Programs Connect People with Nature

2/12/2016

Interpretive programs give visitors to the Landmarks a chance to learn about wildlife like this burrowing owl.

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.”

Share the Landmarks with Someone Special

2/5/2016

Valentine'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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