Category: Interpretive

Irvine Ranch Conservancy Staff Spotlight: Brian Hughes, Interpretive & Training Manager

1/9/2020

Brian Hughes with a group of young adventurers

Here at Irvine Ranch Conservancy, we are dedicated to not only protecting the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks, but connecting people to the land as well. Our IRC-Certified Volunteers play a crucial role in helping people make these connections and teaching local residents the importance of preserving the Landmarks.

When someone signs up to become a certified volunteer, they are taken under the guidance of Irvine Ranch Conservancy’s Interpretive & Training Manager, Brian Hughes. Brian has been a part of the Irvine Ranch Conservancy team from the beginning. In June 2005, Brian was the first Field Naturalist hired by the Conservancy and has experienced the growth of the organization, as well as the volunteer program.

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.

Irvine Ranch Conservancy Staff Spotlight: Ashley Tirona, Program Specialist

6/20/2019

Ashley Tirona leading a youth program

Irvine Ranch Conservancy thrives on the contributions and collaboration of its staff, partners, and local community, who support programs that maintain the beauty of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. An amazing team of individuals works tirelessly behind the scenes to create interactive programs that are designed to engage the community and protect the Landmarks for many years to come.

As a member of IRC’s programs team, Ashley Tirona develops opportunities for the community to connect with the natural resources in their own backyard. Before joining the Conservancy, Ashley graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara with a Bachelor of Science in Zoology, then taught marine science in various informal settings including public aquariums and residential camps. After serving as an AmeriCorps member in Wyoming, she gained a deep passion for teaching others about marine and terrestrial environments.

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.

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.”

Interpretive Programs Connect Visitors with the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks

6/7/2018

Quail Hill

Register for an interpretive program this summer to enjoy the great outdoors and learn about the local lands.

As we dive into the summer season, outdoor enthusiasts can lace up their hiking boots and prepare for the ultimate summertime adventure on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. Whether southern California residents are just discovering the Landmarks or consider the open spaces their second home, there is always something new to learn about the nearly 40,000 acres of protected land. Trail blazers can enjoy the natural habitat while connecting with the land by registering for an interpretive program.

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.

Connect with the Landmarks during Interpretive Programs

12/1/2017

A coast live oak in Round Canyon

Register for an interpretive program and experience the Landmarks in a unique and meaningful way with trained naturalists

Thousands of hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians enjoy the trails and sweeping views of Orange County on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks throughout the year. Whether visitors explore mountain terrain or the beauty of the coast, the Landmarks are home to programs that offer southern California residents an opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors. Trail blazers can join interpretive programs and not only absorb the panoramic views of the open spaces, but also learn about the native habitat and natural history on the Landmarks.

“Interpretive programs are focused around a single theme or idea that ties everything together. Whether the program is focused on subjects like geology, birds, plants, or wildlife, Irvine Ranch Conservancy certified guides help visitors connect with the land in meaningful ways,” commented Irvine Ranch Conservancy’s Interpretive Programs and Training Manger, Brian Hughes.

Enjoy Cooler Temperatures During Evening Programs on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks

8/11/2017

Discover the Landmarks’ many rare and native species in the soft light of dusk by registering for a free program on the open spaces.

Fresh air is vital to a healthy, happy lifestyle, and nature lovers can enjoy the great outdoors during cool evening temperatures on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. Whether looking to avoid the heat or take a break from spending too much time indoors, hikers of all ages can enjoy fresh air on the lands at dusk. Make the most of long summer days and learn about the local lands through an interpretive program, fitness program, or give back to the land through a stewardship program. Enjoy a calendar full of evening activities offered at various difficulty levels and distances on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks!

Spend Summer on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks

6/30/2017

Connect with the great outdoors during summer months and enjoy stewardship, interpretive, and fitness programs on the lands.

Summertime is the perfect season to venture outdoors, explore the local lands, and connect with nature by registering for a program on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. Discover new activities or revisit your favorite programs, and spend summer enjoying an array of activities including restoration efforts, interpretive programs, and fitness activities on the open spaces.

Power Down and Head Outdoors During National Screen-Free Week

4/27/2017

Volunteers get ready to harvest seeds at the Native Seed Farm.

Visit the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks in celebration of National Screen-Free Week to connect with nature and enjoy fresh air and exercise.

National Screen-Free Week kicks off on May 1, and the seven-day celebration encourages people to put down their devices and take time to enjoy the great outdoors. The Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks are home to a variety of programs, welcoming the community to explore the unique geology and diverse range of flora and fauna found on the lands. Register for a free activity on the Landmarks to enjoy fresh air and sweeping views, from the mountains to the sea.

The Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks are found near densely populated areas, making them an oasis of nature amidst an urban landscape. Hundreds of species of plants and animals live on the open spaces, including eagles, badgers, mountain lions, rare species of birds and trees, and a variety of reptiles and amphibians.Screen-Free Week is the perfect opportunity to discover the wilderness in your own backyard, and explore permanently protected and rare natural habitats.

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.

Not Too Late for New Year’s Resolutions

1/22/2016

Limestone Canyon photo courtesy of Irvine Ranch Conservancy volunteer Alex Gurrola.

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.

New Loop Trail is Both Simple and Breathtaking

1/1/2016

The Mesa Loop Trail opens for docent-led activities and spectacular plateau views.

There’s an area in OC Parks’ Black Star Canyon that locals call “the Mesa,” and it certainly lives up to its name. Standing at the top of the Library Trail along the Mesa Loop, you can take in a 360° view that includes Black Star Canyon, Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve, and Cleveland National Forest. Beginning in January, visitors can check out this view for themselves during a variety of docent-led activities provided by OC Parks and led by Irvine Ranch Conservancy.

Events kick off Tuesday, Jan. 19, with Quick Cardio on the Mesa, where visitors can explore the sights and smells of coastal sagebrush and the vista of the canyons while getting a workout in. Additional programs tailored to different interests ensure there are a variety of ways to connect to the land, including Twilight Trek on the Mesa on Friday, Jan. 22, for night owls; family-focused activities such as Morning on the Mesa Loop Family Hike on Saturday, Feb. 13; and even Art on the Landmarks for those seeking inspiration from nature. There is a new program to enjoy on the Mesa Loop nearly every week throughout the winter, and you can register for them at www.LetsGoOutside.org/activities.

Giving Newcomers to Nature Education and Exploration

1/1/2016

New programs provide visitors with some extra guidance at Wilderness Access Days.

Wilderness Access Days have always been a great way for beginners to connect with Orange County’s only National Natural Landmark, allowing folks to independently explore nature while knowing that highly trained volunteers were on hand throughout the trail system to help along the way. Now, newcomers to nature looking for even more expert guidance can get the most out of their time on the trails through new guided walks available at every Wilderness Access Day.

Ring in Winter at Buck Gully Reserve

12/4/2015

Now is the time to see winter flora come to life in the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks.

While the hint of colder weather might encourage some to bundle up inside, winter in Orange County is a perfect time to explore the outdoors. Our native plants that have been dormant throughout summer and fall come to life during winter months. So as people bring more green into their homes in the spirit of the holidays, it’s an excellent opportunity to experience green bursting to life out on the trails as well.

Giving Thanks for the Land

11/20/2015

Serve, study and sweat your way through Thanksgiving week in the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks.

There is much for those of us in Orange County to be thankful for, not the least of which are the stunning views of both mountains and sea within the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. This Thanksgiving, take the time to experience and appreciate some of these stunning lands in person. From fitness hikes and outdoor yoga, to mountain biking and habitat restoration opportunities, organizations such as OC Parks and City of Irvine are offering a variety of public programs this Thanksgiving holiday week suitable for all ages, interests and skill levels.

Learn Something New in Nature This Weekend

10/9/2015

Photo courtesy of lupgv on Instagram.

Activities held Saturday and Sunday will teach skills you can use forever.

If you’ve visited the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks, you know that there is always something new to discover. Learn a new way to look at the land this weekend, through hikes, walks, rides and workouts that will introduce you to skills such as wildlife tracking, cactus planting, mountain biking and even Zumba.

Two very exciting Saturday activities will help visitors learn about the easiest way to “see” wildlife on the trails: animal tracking. By learning which prints are which and “whose scat is that,” you can tell what type of critter was on the trail before you. In Round Canyon, the City of Irvine presents Beginner Animal Tracking, which covers the basics of spotting and identifying animal tracks over a short, 1.5-mile walk. OC Parks is presenting Watching Wildlife in Fremont Canyon, a program that also covers tracking, and will include information about raptors flying overhead near Irvine Lake. This program includes a 4 mile hike with some hills and spectacular views. Both programs are for visitors age 12 and up, and are led by Irvine Ranch Conservancy naturalists.

Keeping Track of Wildlife

8/14/2015

Learn about animal behavior with a free beginner’s tracking class.

It’s just after dawn, and two mule deer are making their way along a trail. They stop to nibble on some sagebrush when they hear a twig snap in the distance. Just a split-second after their large ears pick up the sound, they take cover, bounding quickly to some large shrubs downhill. A few hours later, the entire scene unfolds again, as a trained naturalist “reads” the tracks left by those deer, recounting their every movement. Understanding the tracks left by wildlife gives us insight into their world, and you can learn the basics of tracking with afree class on Saturday, August 22.

New Bilingual Hikes Cover Flora, Fauna and Folklore

8/7/2015

Two upcoming activities teach hikers about the land and local wildlife with information presented in both English and Spanish.

The coyote, according to Mexican folklore, is a mischievous trickster who’s usually trying to pull one over on other animals. His lack of wisdom is usually getting him into trouble, while his cleverness and cunning are usually getting him back out. For Native Americans, myths and tales about the coyote can vary widely. He is sometimes a revered cultural hero who teaches and helps humans, and sometimes a sort of antihero who demonstrates the dangers of negative behaviors like greed, recklessness and arrogance. Two upcoming nature walks aim to entertain and enlighten with tales about the coyote, along with other native animals and plants, with folklore tales presented in both English and Spanish by bilingual docents.

Understanding Radical Reptiles and Awesome Amphibians

6/19/2015

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.

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