Category: Limestone Canyon

New Restoration Project Will Help Maintain Oak Woodlands in Limestone Canyon

2/6/2020

Oaks in Limestone Canyon

Since 2005, Irvine Ranch Conservancy has made it their mission to preserve and restore natural habitats found throughout the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. With their newest restoration project, Irvine Ranch Conservancy staff and volunteers will plant 500 acorn seedlings at the Augustine Staging Area Nursery in Limestone Canyon that will be used to maintain vital oak woodland habitats.

The acorns collected by the Conservancy are sourced locally from oak trees throughout the area, giving them a greater chance of success due to acclimation to local climate and soil. After the acorns are collected, they will then be planted at the Augustine Nursery, where staff and volunteers will assist in tending and growing the acorns to seedlings until they are ready for planting. Restoration projects such as this allow Irvine Ranch Conservancy to expand its work of restoring habitats that support local wildlife and plant species.

Landmark Focus: Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve

9/26/2019

'The Sinks' at Limestone Canyon

One of the most iconic locations within the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks, Limestone Canyon never ceases to amaze. Located between the rugged Santa Ana Mountains and central Orange County, Limestone Canyon is home to a variety of plants, animals, and unique geological features. Its oak filled valleys and year-round springs made it a popular place for Native Americans and early European settlers to hunt and forage for supplies. Later, it became an important grazing area for ranchers in the region. Today, Limestone Canyon remains one of the most pristine wilderness areas in the county and houses a number of habitat restoration projects to further ensure it biological viability. Over 20 miles of trails crisscross Limestone Canyon, providing hiking, riding, and equestrian opportunities for all levels and interests. You can sign up to participate in a number of activities in Limestone Canyon on LetsGoOutside.org, including Wilderness Access Days. Be sure to check out all this area has to offer on your next adventure, including:

Explore Orange County's Mini Grand Canyon with Irvine Ranch Conservancy

12/5/2018

Agua Chinon to the Sinks, Limestone Canyon

Get out and explore The Sinks during your next outdoor adventure

One of the seven wonders of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks, “The Sinks” in the Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve, is a hidden gem in Orange County. A geological formation consisting of layered sandstone cliffs, The Sinks are often referred to as Orange County’s Mini Grand Canyon and have become a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and photographers.

The red sandstone cliffs that form The Sinks are eroded in the Sespe Formation, a geological formation of southern California which is between 20-40 million years old. Visitors to The Sinks will experience the beautiful reddish-brown sandstone that drops off sharply into the canyon forming a natural bowl.

Experience the Great Outdoors from the Mountains to the Sea

7/26/2018

Buck Gully, Newport Beach

Take a staycation this summer and explore the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks.

With southern California’s beautiful year-round weather, the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks are the perfect place to have a “staycation.” From the mountains to the sea, Orange County residents can find large geologic wonders, wide open spaces, and a coastal oasis in their own backyard. From OC Parks’ Limestone Canyon to the City of Newport’s Buck Gully and the City of Irvine’s Bommer Canyon, the Landmarks offer visitors a wealth of open spaces and nature preserves to escape the everyday stresses of life. Nature lovers can discover the hidden gems of Orange County during a staycation on the Landmarks this summer and beyond.

Travel Through the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks by Saddle

9/22/2017

Riders enjoy Limestone Canyon in the afternoon.

Equestrians can experience the open spaces during self-guided and docent-led activities.

Nature lovers can explore the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks by registering for hiking, biking, and interpretive programs, and outdoor enthusiasts who own or have access to a horse can saddle up and join the fun on the open spaces! A variety of equestrian programs welcome the community to trot through designated trails on the Landmarks, where rare and native species cohabitate in Southern California’s Mediterranean climate.

“The Landmarks are home to many diverse terrains, and equestrians can experience the lands by registering for programs throughout the year,” commented Dave Raetz, Deputy Director of Irvine Ranch Conservancy. “Riders are invited to bring their horse to the Landmarks during designated activities and take in some of Orange County’s most beautiful open spaces by saddle.”

Wildflowers Bloom on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks

2/23/2017

Wildflowers in Agua Chinon, part of the Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve, are in bloom.

Nature lovers are invited to register for a free program on the Landmarks to admire early wildflower blooms on the open spaces.

The Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks are home to a rich ecosystem bustling with rare and native species including coastal scrub oak, black sage, and prickly pear cactus. Southern California’s recent heavy rains led to an early wildflower season this year, and many of the Landmarks are beginning to bloom ahead of spring. Pops of color are sprouting amidst annual plant life, and nature lovers are welcome to enjoy the sights and smells of wildflowers by registering for a free public program.

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.

Volunteers Can 'Adopt a Grassland' This Spring

4/1/2016

A gust of wind blows through the native grass littleseed muhly (Muhlenbergia microsperma) along Agua Chinon in Limestone Canyon.

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.

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.

Help Wildflowers Thrive by Weeding

3/4/2016

Arroyo lupine blows in the wind at the Native Seed Farm while volunteers weed in the background.

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.

Stop the Spread of Sahara Mustard

2/26/2016

Lead Land Steward Volunteer Henry DiRocco plucks a Sahara mustard plant out from between two black sage plants. Simple hand weeding is critical to stopping the spread of this invasive plant.

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.

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.

Catch Sight of Birds Weathering the Winter

1/29/2016

White-tailed kite photo courtesy of David Furseth

Despite colder weather, there are still plenty of opportunities for bird-watchers visiting the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks.

Many animals might hibernate for the winter, but this season can be prime bird-watching time for those in the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. While birds don’t have to contend with blizzards or snowstorms here, they do employ certain tactics to handle the colder-than-normal temperatures of winter. Avoiding wind and roosting away in small, heat-enclosing spaces are common behaviors exhibited this season, according to The Cornell Lab of Ornithology, which studies birds and other wildlife. But our feathered friends also battle the cold by hanging out in large flocks for greater protection and eating as much as possible – activities that could keep them out and about (and easier to spot) to the delight of avian enthusiasts.

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.

Partnership Saves Decades-Old Cactus Plants

1/1/2016

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.

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.

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.

Bettering Your Bird Knowledge

11/6/2015

The yellow-rumped warbler has returned to the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. Photo courtesy of David Furseth.

The Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks provides a perfect backdrop to catch sight of birds that have nested after fall migration.

While color-changing trees and native plants beginning to leaf might catch the eye of Orange County residents desperate for signs of autumn, there are more clues high in the sky that fall is upon us: birds! October was peak season for fall migration, and luckily the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks’ balmy Mediterranean climate provides a perfect escape from colder temperatures for the large variety of migratory birds making their way south.

Lending a Hand to Habitat Restoration

10/30/2015

The few can be mighty, and nothing better attests to that than the work and rewards of community stewardship.

Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks are rich in oak-filled valleys, expansive grasslands and plentiful coastal sage. Protecting those lands from invasive non-native plants to keep wildlife thriving takes attentive, consistent and continuous dedication.

This is where community volunteers have the biggest impact – dedicating muscle and manpower to protecting nearly 40,000 acres of open space. Even the smallest amount of effort goes far in habitat restoration; for instance, a modest team of workers last week pulled 20,000 invasive plants from OC Parks’ Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve in just two days.

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.

Two Ways to Explore Agua Chinon

9/25/2015

In Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve, there is a scenic 1,200-acre canyon called Agua Chinon. This unique area starts in an oak riparian habitat and travels up through coastal sage scrub to The Sinks, providing visitors with a great hike or ride as well as a peek into active habitat restoration. The diverse opportunities for recreation and volunteering along this one stretch of canyon makes Agua Chinon a popular destination for visitors of varied interests.

OC Parks hosts regular hikes and rides along the Agua Chinon trail, led by Irvine Ranch Conservancy staff and docents. You can also join Conservancy staff to participate in habitat restoration work on this beautiful bit of OC Parks open space. Many hikers walking by the restoration areas on their way to The Sinks are able to see the restoration as it progresses, and this personal connection leads them to become more actively involved in the project.

Volunteers Needed to ‘Adopt’ Local Canyons

9/4/2015

Each time you hike or ride past a hill in the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks and see a little brightly-colored flag, that’s a sign of native habitat on the rebound. Land managers develop and plan ongoing restoration and invasive plant removal projects, but long-term health of local wildlands depends on long-term support from community volunteers. If you have a favorite trail or view, consider pitching in and “adopting” that canyon. OC Parks, City of Irvine and City of Newport Beach all have opportunities to help restore habitat in the natural places you love.

To further the goal of long-term habitat health, organizations such as Irvine Ranch Conservancy organize monthly volunteer stewardship opportunities to allow members of the community to give their time in the same location over time. This rewarding habit allows volunteers to see the fruits of their efforts every time the revisit the canyon they love. The difficulty level of each activity varies, but all tools and training are provided. There are a few of these monthly activities coming up this week, and you can click here to see all of the volunteer stewardship opportunities that happen monthly.

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.

<<Previous