​Daylight savings time will take place this Sunday, March 8. Irvine Ranch Conservancy encourages nature lovers to make use of their extra hour of sunlight by participating in evening activities on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. Irvine Ranch Conservancy and its partners, OC Parks, City of Irvine and City of Newport Beach, offer a variety of evening activities throughout the week that are great for all skill levels.
 
Evening activities are the perfect opportunity to de-stress from your day, get in a workout and experience the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks as the sun sets. From introductory to fitness-based activities, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Take advantage of daylight savings time and sign up for an evening activity on the Landmarks today!

​Daylight savings time provides an extra hour of sunlight for you to get outside
 
As winter fades away and the clocks spring forward on Sunday, it’s the perfect opportunity to get outside on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. If you’re stuck indoors all day and need a way to de-stress, take advantage of the extra hour of sunlight and sign up for one of the many evening activities Irvine Ranch Conservancy offers. Take a stroll at your own pace, get in an evening workout or learn about nature with an interpretive activity. There’s a wide variety of evening activities to choose from, so get out and explore the Landmarks as the sun goes down!
 
Nature lovers looking for a leisurely paced hike can sign up for the Twilight Hike in Orchard Hills on Tuesday, March 12 from 5:15 - 7:15 p.m. Take in the sights and relax during this evening hike, as you make your way around the Orchard Hills loop trail and watch the sky change color. Hikers looking for a moderately paced evening hike should try the Orchard Hills Evening Hike. Occurring weekly, this two-hour hike provides fantastic ridge-top views of Irvine and the Pacific coastline. Meandering around an avocado orchard, these two activities will reward hikers with spectacular views of Orange County and a chance to experience Orchard Hills before and after sunset. 

​Register for evening and nighttime guided activities and discover what flora and fauna thrives as the sun sets
 
As the sun sets earlier in the day and evening hours are extended, hikers, bikers, and equestrians can experience their favorite open spaces on Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks by registering for a moonlight, twilight, or evening hike. Visitors can enjoy the crisp air of the wildlands as the sun sets, and possibly spot creatures that prefer moonlight! Outdoor enthusiasts can escape the light and noise of urban neighborhoods and enjoy the serenity of the Landmarks as nature’s day shift concludes and the night shift begins.
 
Nocturnal and diurnal are familiar terms for periods of activity in plants and wildlife. Nocturnal animals like opossums, field mice, bats and owls thrive at night, under the moonlight, and diurnal animals like humans are most active during the day. However, there is another major category of animal activity and that is crepuscular, a term drawn from the Latin word for “twilight” and used for animals who are active primarily at dawn or dusk. These fickle crepuscular animals such as skunks, rabbits, and deer love the early morning sunlight and twilight, and lucky nature lovers may catch a glimpse of these creatures during activities on the Landmarks. 

Take advantage of daylight savings time and spend evenings on the Landmarks
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Spring has arrived and with it comes daylight savings time! With clocks turning forward an hour, nature lovers can enjoy longer days and warmer weather outdoors. Outdoor enthusiasts can take advantage of extended daylight hours by exploring a calendar full of evening programs on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. Hikers of all ages can take a break from long days spent indoors as they get outside, enjoy fresh air, and discover native species on the local lands.

​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!