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.

The first official day of spring isn’t until March 20, but many flowers on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks are already beginning to bloom. Chocolate lilies have been spotted on the slopes of West Loma Ridge in Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve, Weir Canyon Nature Preserve is rich with fields of bright yellow fiddlenecks, and wild hyacinth and sticky monkey flower are plentiful along many trails in Bommer Canyon.

But wildflowers need more than just warm weather and rainfall to thrive long-term. Invasive and non-native plants can steal light and nutrients from native flora, making it harder for native species to grow. In 2012, the small-flowered morning glory – a rare, native flower that was in decline within the Landmarks – was discovered sprouting from dormant seeds in the West Loma Ridge watershed habitat restoration area. This uncommon flower was able to make a comeback in part due to the removal of invasive species; in the absence of weeds, its seeds remaining in the soil were able to return to an environment free of competition from invasive plants.

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.

An ongoing native grassland restoration project aims to rehabilitate this endangered habitat and reduce wildfire risk.

As summer months turn green hills to gold, the extremely dry grassy hillsides begin to pose a significant fire risk. Non-native and invasive annual grasses dry up and die, becoming fuel waiting for a spark. Many of these grasses are left behind from former ranching days, and replacing them with native grasslands is one critical step in restoring valuable habitat and reducing wildfire risk. 

An ongoing native grasslands restoration project in the West Loma and Bee Flat areas of OC Parks’ Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve aims to restore former cattle grazing fields to the native grasslands and oak savannas that once thrived there. Land managers are already seeing the fruits of their labor, and at over 50 acres, this is the largest grasslands restoration project within the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks to date. For many years, grassland habitats in California have been on the decline, since non-native annual grasses can very quickly take over a habitat and choke out the native grasses.