​Did you know that about 75% of all flowering plant species need the help of animals to move pollen grains for fertilization? Pollination is an essential process in sustaining a functioning ecosystem. The work of pollination is shared by a variety of different pollinators including bees, butterflies, moths, flies, beetles, bats, ants, wasps, and some small mammals.
 
Irvine Ranch Conservancy works consistently to protect and restore the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. IRC grows more than 50 native plant species on the Native Seed Farm in Irvine, attracting a variety of local pollinators. We use the seed grown at the Native Seed Farm for restoration projects across the Landmarks, where pollinators play their role to help these native species thrive in the wild. Even with the hard work of IRC staff and volunteers, local pollinators can still use your help to keep our native wildlands thriving. 

​Q&A with Native Seed Farm Program Coordinator Rachel Lambert, Part 2

Irvine Ranch Conservancy’s Native Seed Farm Program Coordinator, Rachel Lambert, is giving us an inside look at what species are growing on the Farm this year and other behind-the-scenes information. Make sure to catch the first part of this interview, which was published last week!
 
What flower species are planted on the Native Seed Farm this year?
This year we’re growing over 50 native species including American bird's-foot trefoil, Strigose lotus, Bicolored/mini lupine, Wishbone bush, Vinegarweed, Deerweed, Winecup clarkia, Purple owl's clover, White pincushion, Yellow pincushion, Cobweb thistle, Common cryptantha, Slender buckwheat, California poppy, California goldfields, Chick lupine, Arroyo lupine, Parry's phacelia,
California plantain, Coastal tidy tips, Smallhead clover, Littleseed Mhuly, Coastal sagebrush, California buckwheat, White sage, Black sage, Coastal Prickly Pear Cactus, Palmer's goldenbush, Menzie's goldenbush, Ragweed, California mugwort, Woolypod milkweed, Narrow-leaf milkweed, California brome grass, Common sand aster, California croton, Sticky monkeyflower, Blue wildrye, California fuschia, Leafy daisy, Longstem buckwheat, Common sun rose, Cliff aster, California melic grass, Longleaf/Silverleaf lupine, Branching phacelia, California bee plant, Western blue-eyed grass, Goldenrod, Giant needle grass, Foothill needle grass, One-sided blue grass, Goldenstars, Orange fiddlenecks, and Schoolbells.
 
What flowers are currently in bloom?
Wishbone bush (Mirabilis laevis) which has magenta blossoms that only open in the afternoon. California poppies (Eschscholzia californic) are at full steam and Arroyo lupines (Lupinus succulentus) just started! California goldfields (Lasthenia gracilis) are little tiny yellow flowers, like daisies but smaller than a penny, and Orange fiddlenecks (Amsinckia intermedia) will start to bloom soon!

​Q&A with Native Seed Farm Program Coordinator Rachel Lambert, Part 1
 
The first day of spring is just around the corner and Irvine Ranch Conservancy’s Native Seed Farm is starting to show signs of color! Every year the Farm grows more than 50 native species that will be harvested for seed and used to help restore the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. Irvine Ranch Conservancy’s Native Seed Farm Program Coordinator, Rachel Lambert, is giving us an inside look at what species are growing on the Farm this year and other behind-the-scenes information. Check back next week for Part 2 of this interview.
 
What is the process of deciding which species will be planted each year?
It's a long and thoughtful conversation back and forth between the restoration site managers and the Farm manager--we call it making a "plant palette." Like a color palette in home decor, these are the array of species that we will be painting the hillside with! But it's not about looks, it's about function.

​Ten years ago, Irvine Ranch Conservancy was faced with the challenge of acquiring plant materials like seed and container plants for habitat restoration projects throughout the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. Irvine Ranch Conservancy staff put their heads together and proposed an innovative idea of collecting seeds from the wild and growing them on a farm. Once grown, the plants would be harvested for more seed and used in restoration projects throughout the Landmarks. This idea led to the creation of the Native Seed Farm.
 
This past fall marked the 10th anniversary of the Native Seed Farm and Irvine Ranch Conservancy is excited to celebrate the significant growth and impact the Farm has had in restoring the Landmarks, as well as educating the community.

​Nearly a decade ago, Irvine Ranch Conservancy was faced with the challenge of acquiring plant materials like seed and container plants for habitat restoration projects throughout the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. Irvine Ranch Conservancy staff put their heads together and proposed an innovative idea of collecting seeds from the wild and growing them on a farm. Once grown, the plants would be harvested for more seed and used in restoration projects throughout the Landmarks. This idea led to the creation of the Native Seed Farm.
 
This fall season marks the 10th anniversary of the Native Seed Farm and Irvine Ranch Conservancy is excited to celebrate the significant growth and impact the Farm has had in restoring the Landmarks, as well as educating the community.
 
“The Farm was started as a direct response to an issue, but it has evolved into a community outreach asset,” said Mike O’Connell, the President and CEO of Irvine Ranch Conservancy. “Thanks to our dedicated staff and volunteers, we’ve not only been able to produce the plant materials and seed needed for our restoration projects, but get the community involved and educate them along the way.”

Throughout the year, Irvine Ranch Conservancy works diligently to produce native seed that supports habitat restoration efforts across the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. Since 2009, Irvine Ranch Conservancy’s Native Seed Farm has played a key role in these efforts by providing a reliable source of local native seed, while also creating unique opportunities for the community to connect with the land.
 
The seed production cycle starts with hand collection of a small batch of native seeds from the wildlands. Those seeds are the source material for the large plots of native plant species that are maintained on the farm. Seed production is a year-round effort. Since native plants are adapted to our Southern California climate, they grow in the cool, moist winters and bloom in the warm spring and summer sunshine. To align with this natural timing, annual wildflower seeds are sown on the farm in November and germinate with the winter rains. Perennial species are grown in the nursery over the summer, and seedlings are planted into farm plots in December and January. 

What do food, wildflowers, and modern medicine have in common? They all rely, to varying degrees, on pollinators for their success. Pollinators are an essential part of the ecosystems in Orange County. In addition to pollinating locally grown crops like avocados, oranges and strawberries, they are necessary for the reproduction of almost all the wildflowers that are on display this Spring on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. Pollinators are estimated to be responsible for at least a third of human food production and are crucial to the survival of flowering plants all over the world.
​
Mary Nolan, a volunteer with Irvine Ranch Conservancy since 2015, leads programs at the Conservancy’s one-of-a-kind Native Seed Farm to teach the public more about pollination. Mary explains that the work of pollination is shared by bees, butterflies, moths, beetles, bats, birds and even the wind! Mary says pollination occurs when its practitioners “visit flowers to drink nectar or feed off of pollen and transport pollen grains as they move from spot to spot.” This ensures proliferation of the species. While pollination is often a byproduct of an animal’s natural feeding behavior on a flower, it is an incredibly important process that affects the entire food chain.

​Meet Rachel Lambert, Seed Farm Stewardship Coordinator
 
The Irvine Ranch Conservancy’s 14-acre Native Seed Farm is essential to the success of habitat restoration projects throughout the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks, but it also serves as a great way for the community to connect with the land.  Community support and involvement are critical for the farm’s success.  Volunteers and participation from the public allow conservancy staff to produce more seed from a wider range of plants, essential ingredients for successful restoration on the land.  However, many volunteers will be quick to admit that it isn’t just the plants that keep them coming back to the farm. 
 
Rachel Lambert, Seed Farm Stewardship Coordinator, leads most public activities at the farm.  Her bubbly personality and deep knowledge of plants and history make every outing an adventure to remember, and keeps the public coming back for more.  She has been working at the Native Seed Farm for six years and is responsible for planning and hosting stewardship activities at the farm, as well as assisting with the farm’s day-to-day operations.  

​Irvine Ranch Conservancy’s Native Seed Farm helps wildflowers bloom across the Landmarks
 
Spring hasn’t sprung just yet, but signs of the coming season are already appearing across the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. With the abundance of rain this year and Southern California sunshine, wildflowers are already beginning to bloom, bringing pops of color to Orange County. Irvine Ranch Conservancy staff and volunteers do their part in helping wildflowers flourish through restorative efforts on the Irvine Ranch Conservancy Native Seed Farm.
 
The Native Seed Farm has two goals: give the local community a way to connect with the land and provide a reliable source of quality plant material for restoration projects. The 14-acre farm is a sustainable way for the Conservancy to help restore thousands of acres of native habitat throughout the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. Certified staff and volunteers are key to the operation of the Native Seed Farm, helping to grow and tend to a custom mix of native plants like wildflowers, then harvesting the seed for use on the Landmarks. 

Join a program on the Native Seed Farm and learn how to help pollinators thrive.
 
Birds, bats, bees, butterflies and beetles are just a few creatures that belong to a very special group of wildlife: pollinators. Although small in size, these pollinators make a big impact on the world around them. Nature lovers are encouraged to discover the positive effects pollinators have on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks and beyond by joining a Native Seed Farm program during National Pollinator Week, June 18-24.

​​Pollination is the first step in the process that produces seeds, fruits, and the next generation of plants.  Over ten years ago, the U.S. Senate unanimously approved the designation of “National Pollinator Week,” marking a necessary step towards addressing the issue of declining pollinator populations. Without the actions of pollinators, agriculture, food supply, and habitats could decline.

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. 

​Don’t miss the virtual wildflower tour on April 3 and register for a program at the Native Seed Farm and beyond to see wildflowers this spring
 
Wildflowers are blooming on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks! With the recent rains, local wildflowers are growing at the Native Seed Farm on the City of Irvine Open Space Preserve and beyond. Visitors to the lands can head out to the Seed Farm to spot colorful blooms including the arroyo lupine and California poppies. Nature lovers can also connect with the lands online through a virtual wildflower takeover on Tuesday, April 3 beginning at 6 a.m. on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks social media pages. Discover the vibrant and diverse native wildflowers that call the Landmarks home this spring.

Experience stewardship programs on the open spaces in celebration of National Plant A Flower Day

​Volunteers at Irvine Ranch Conservancy’s Native Seed Farm plant native species and harvest their seeds in an effort to restore and enhance nearly 5,000 acres of native habitat throughout the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. In honor of National Plant a Flower Day on March 12, visitors can join Conservancy staff and volunteers at the Native Seed Farm Wednesday and Saturday mornings this spring from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. to plant native species and collect seeds that will enrich restoration sites throughout the Landmarks.​

Ensure butterflies thrive on the Landmarks by participating in stewardship programs
 
As we approach March and new blooms start to sprout on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks, visitors are more likely to spot one of nature’s most fascinating insects, the butterfly. Known for their metamorphosis, butterflies inspire awe and wonder among park visitors. By joining stewardship programs to help increase the native plant population, volunteers can do their part to ensure butterflies prosper on the Landmarks this spring.

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. 

​Register for a stewardship program on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks to get outside and give back to nature.
 
With the holiday season in full swing, shoppers continue to look for the perfect gift for their loved ones. During the season’s festivities, the company of family and friends can be the best gift, and nature enthusiasts can spend quality time in the great outdoors while lending a helping hand to the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. Give the gift of restoration this year and help preserve the Landmarks for future generations to enjoy by registering for a stewardship program.

​Irvine Ranch Conservancy invites the community to discover the seven wonders of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks that span The Sinks, Loma Ridge, Red Rocks, Three Sisters Rock, The Native Seed Farm, Buck Gully Reserve, and the Back Bay. The seven wonders are found in OC Parks, the City of Irvine, and the City of Newport Beach, and nature lovers have a chance to win a canvas of their favorite wonder by participating in a social media contest.
 
“We’re thrilled to be celebrating the seven wonders of the Landmarks,” commented Dave Raetz, Deputy Director of Irvine Ranch Conservancy. “We’re encouraging nature lovers to explore the wonders by registering for a program on the open spaces, and to follow the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks on social media for a chance to win a beautiful canvas of their favorite wonder.”

Explore the Flora on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks and discover rare and native species this Fall

The Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks stretch from the mountains to the sea, spanning Fremont Canyon to Crystal Cove State Park. Throughout the open spaces is an array of regional plant life, also known as flora. From the Tecate Cypress to majestic coast live oaks, the Landmarks are home to many rare and native species that provide food and shelter for the surrounding wildlife. Fall for flora on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks this season by registering for a program on the open spaces, and discover one of the world’s biodiversity “hot spots.”

The flora found on the Landmarks are an integral part of what makes the open spaces a biological wonder. In addition to native grasslands and live oak woodlands, the Landmarks house one of the largest populations of healthy coastal sage scrub. Sometimes called “soft chaparral” due to its soft, drought-deciduous leaves, this Mediterranean-type shrub is highly threatened in California and can be seen throughout the Landmarks. The Landmarks are also home to native wildflowers, including lupine, poppies, chocolate lilies, and prickly pear cactus.

​Learn how the Native Seed Farm helps the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks thrive, and register for a stewardship program on the Farm to dig in soon!
 
The Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks are home to many rare and native species that inhabit the lands from the mountains to the sea. Many of these species are being threatened by degradation and invasive plants, and Irvine Ranch Conservancy works to preserve the many wildflowers, shrubs, and native trees that grow throughout the Landmarks. The Native Seed Farm is an integral part of preservation and restoration on the open spaces, and staff and volunteers are rolling up their up sleeves and harvesting seeds to help the Landmarks thrive. Discover how the Farm helps the Landmarks self-sustain and register for a program at the Native Seed Farm today! 

Experience rewarding volunteer opportunities by registering for a stewardship program on the open spaces.

The Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks stretch across more than 40,000 acres from Weir Canyon to south Irvine, and are filled with native plants and wildlife. Preserving the natural habitat on the Landmarks is a big job, and the community is invited to help care for the open spaces by joining a stewardship program. Volunteer independently or coordinate a group for a variety of stewardship activities during daily and long-term programs, and give back to nature by becoming an ambassador of the lands!
 
“Volunteering as a steward is a rewarding opportunity to spend time outdoors and build a relationship with the lands,” Matilde De Santiago-Barrows, Community Stewardship Coordinator, said. “The time people spend here makes an impact and helps preserve the open spaces.”

Connect with nature and give back to the environment by joining a stewardship program on the Irvine Ranch Landmarks.
 
Earth Day is quickly approaching and nature lovers can find many opportunities to give back to the environment on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. The Landmarks are a wonderful representation of the natural heritage of Orange County, and the community is invited to register for a free stewardship program in honor of Earth Day. Celebrate this national holiday throughout the month of April and beyond, and enjoy fresh air and breathtaking scenery while caring for the local lands. 

Earth Day is a special occasion on the open spaces, and doubles as an anniversary. The Irvine Natural Landmarks were designated as a National Natural Landmark by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior in 2006, when protected land on the former Irvine Ranch was recognized for its rare biological and geological features. Then in 2008, nearly 40,000 acres were named the first California Natural Landmark on Earth Day. The inaugural title was earned under a new state program that recognized and encouraged the stewardship of extraordinary examples of natural resources, and the Landmarks continue to welcome the public to participate in stewardships.

The Native Seed Farm is in full bloom and now is the time to register for a program to help plant and harvest seeds amidst vibrant rows of wildflowers.
 
Spring is in the air and the Native Seed Farm is in full bloom! Thanks to the efforts of volunteers, rows and rows of colorful wildflowers are growing across the seed farm, and there’s never been a better time to register for a stewardship program to help care for native species. Harvesting seeds and growing seedlings is vital to the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks, and creates a self-sustaining process that keeps local plants and wildflowers thriving from season to season. Take the opportunity to connect with nature while enjoying the surrounding scenery and join a stewardship program at the Native Seed Farm!
​
The Native Seed Farm is nestled in the City of Irvine, located on Jeffrey Road just north of Portola Parkway. The farm offers convenient parking near the farm entrance, and is a flat, easy-to-access site with shade available. A hub of the Landmarks, the farm harvests as much as 1,000 pounds of seeds per year which fuel various restoration projects throughout the lands. This year, California goldfields—a flowering plant in the daisy family—were planted for the first time, and their yellow blooms were a welcome addition to the farm. Pink hues of Owl’s Clover can also be seen, along with the cylindrical, purple blooms of Arroyo Lupine. Orange Poppies are also growing abundantly on the farm, supporting the growth of California’s state flower.

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.

Volunteer for a stewardship program during winter months, a time when native habitat “greens up,” to help restore and protect the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks.   
 
Orange County's rainy winter season is often a precursor to greenery on the local open spaces, and the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks welcomes the community to join stewardship programs during winter months to help restore and protect the native habitat. Winter is an ideal time for restoration projects, and volunteers are needed to plant native seedlings, water and care for native habitat, and remove invasive weeds. All stewardship activities help local wildlife thrive and ensure future generations can enjoy the natural communities on the open space forever

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.