Category: Irvine Ranch Open Space

Family Fun for Fall

9/26/2014

Bring the whole family to fun activities on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks.

The end of summer doesn't have to be the end of family fun outdoors -- with the kids back in school and the weather starting to cool off, families may be in the search of activities they can enjoy together on the weekend. In OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, Irvine Ranch Conservancy naturalists are leading several activities next weekend that are perfect for families.

A unique way to spend time with the family is by having an adventure under the open sky at night. Come discover the brightness of a full moon’s light at the Full Moon Hike in Black Star Canyon on Saturday, October 4. This easy 3-mile nature walk is open to ages 8 and up.

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How to 'See' Wildlife in Hot Weather

6/20/2014

Tracks on the trails tell a lot about the types of animals found in our local wilderness.

As the weather heats up, spotting wildlife during the day can be difficult. Most animals seek a cool spot to stay during the day, being more active early in the morning and later in the evening. Even if you cannot spot them, you can look for signs that animals left behind on the trail. OC Parks and the Irvine Ranch Conservancy will be hosting two separate events next weekend to teach participants how to look for these signs.

“Animals love using the trails to get from point A to point B most efficiently and to conserve energy,” says Conservancy Interpretive Specialist Kelley Reetz. “The tracks and scat they leave behind are a snapshot, telling a story about wildlife activity.”

Rangers on the Open Range

4/4/2014

OC Parks Rangers working in the Irvine Ranch Open Space cover a lot of ground.

The Irvine Ranch Open Space is more than 20,000 acres of protected wildlands, and makes up one third of OC Parks’ entire countywide park facility acreage. And just like other park facilities, a staff of park rangers is assigned to help the people of Orange County enjoy this spectacular natural resource.

However, with nearly 100 miles of trails and areas of rugged, remote wilderness, a day in the life of an open space ranger is considerably different than a day in a more traditional park.

Celebrating Spirits During Dia de los Muertos

10/19/2012

Learn how Mexican and Latin cultures honor loved ones during this annual holiday.

Halloween wouldn't be the same without images of spooky ghosts, but in Mexico and many Latin American countries, this is a time to celebrate the spirits of the dearly departed. The Irvine Ranch Conservancy invites you to learn more about Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrations through two outdoor activities this month.

While Halloween traditions teach us to fear spirits, you can learn how other cultures honor and remember their departed loved ones during the annual holiday of Dia de los Muertos. Participants will explore the cultural significance of this festive holiday, and even decorate skull figurines to decorate their homes. Docents from the Irvine Ranch Conservancy will explain the origin of this holiday, as well as the current ways in which it is celebrated around the world.

Hiking Series Celebrates Cultures in Nature

7/13/2012

Learn how different world cultures relate to nature with activities in the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks.

Today Olympians are awarded medals for their achievements, but original Greek winners were awarded a simple olive wreath crown. This gift from nature, along with bragging rights, was their only prize. Before you watch this year’s Olympic games, learn how the first Olympiad events were connected to nature during the first of this summer’s “Celebrate Cultures in Nature” hiking series.

On Thursday, July 19 at 7:30 am, Irvine Ranch Conservancy will present the first hike of the ongoing series, called “Celebrate Cultures in Nature: Greek Olympics.” The educational hike will lead participants through Limestone Canyon, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, and will explore the original Olympic Games. While traversing a distance of just over 5 miles with some steady inclines, participants 16 and over are welcome to come and work out like an Olympian while learning the origin of the Games.

Kids Can Help Thwart Thistle in Open Space

3/16/2012

Family-friendly restoration events teach kids about preserving OC wildlands.

Amid the sprawling oaks and blooming wildflowers in Limestone and Baker canyons lurks a prickly menace. An invasive weed called milk thistle threatens native plants and grasses that wildlife use for food and shelter. While widespread, milk thistle is easy to pull, and OC Parks is hosting a family-friendly event that will have kids showing milk thistle who’s boss.

Family Fun for Fall

How to 'See' Wildlife in Hot Weather

Rangers on the Open Range

Celebrating Spirits During Dia de los Muertos

Hiking Series Celebrates Cultures in Nature

Kids Can Help Thwart Thistle in Open Space

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