Category: Orchard Hills

Rise and Shine on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks

11/3/2017

Hikers enjoy an early morning stroll on Hicks Haul Road in Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve.

Don't let Daylight Savings Time keep you indoors, explore the lands during morning programs for fresh air and exercise on the Landmarks

The clocks turn back on Sunday, November 5, but there's still plenty of time to explore the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks! The Landmarks are home to many self-guided trails and activities across the open spaces, and with the end of daylight savings time comes earlier mornings that give trail enthusiasts more time to start their day in the great outdoors. Rise and shine on the Landmarks this fall and throughout the year by registering for a morning program.

“The Landmarks are home to many morning fitness, recreational, and interpretive programs that allow the community to start their day with fresh air, sweeping views, and exercise” commented Dave Raetz, Irvine Ranch Conservancy Deputy Director. “Whether visitors are looking to kick off their day with an invigorating 8-mile hike through Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve or ease into the day with a morning of Tai Chi in Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park, there’s a wide variety of programs to suit all ages and interests on the Landmarks.”

Skip the Gym and Get Fit on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks

9/28/2017

Explore the great outdoors and register for fitness programs including hiking, yoga, Tai Chi and more!

As the weather begins to cool, skip the gym and head for the great outdoors on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. Visitors can enjoy fresh air, exercise, and the local habitat by participating in a variety of activities offered on the open spaces. From hikes of all skill levels to yoga and Tai Chi programs, the community is invited to connect with nature during fitness programs on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks, many of which are free and open to the public with required preregistration.

“Temperatures are cooling and it’s the perfect time to explore the local lands during a fitness program,” Dave Raetz, Irvine Ranch Conservancy Deputy Director, said. “Whether joining a long-distance cardio hike or mild fitness walk, the Landmarks offer many different activities for nature lovers as young as 8 years old to enjoy. These programs offer the unique opportunity to engage in physical activity while getting acquainted with Orange County’s spectacular open spaces that are home to many rare and native species.”

Spring Forward and Enjoy Evening Programs on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks

3/16/2017

Hikers enjoy a sunset in Fremont Canyon.

Daylight savings time gives visitors to the Landmarks more opportunities to connect with nature during evening programs.

The days are getting longer, which means nature lovers can take advantage of extended daylight, cooler weather, and evening programs on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. Finding time during the day to enjoy a guided hike to the Landmarks’ open spaces, native wildflowers, sycamore groves, and oak woodlands can be a challenge. With daylight savings time creating more opportunity for later programs, people with hectic daytime schedules can still take in fresh air and exercise on the land.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a Romantic Walk on the Landmarks

2/2/2017

Twighlight and evening hikes often feature stunning sunset views.

Enjoy a peaceful walk with the special someone in your life and take in the beauty of the great outdoors.

Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching, and the month of February is a great time to head outside and enjoy the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks with a loved one. The recent rainy weather has brought hints of wildflowers across the open spaces, and the fresh air and expansive views offer an ideal setting for a romantic walk through the lands. Whether bringing the special someone in your life to a night hike under the stars or finding an excursion for friends, there’s a program on the Landmarks fit for you and the ones you care for.

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.

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.

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 Hiking Opportunities in Orchard Hills

7/24/2015

Two brand new guided hikes offer new experiences in northern Irvine.

Interest and excitement continue to grow around the docent-led programs offered in Orchard Hills, in the Irvine Open Space Preserve. And for good reason: the top of the upper loop trail offers one of the most spectacular views available within the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks, and the lower loop is perfect for birding and family hikes. Now two new regularly-scheduled hikes will offer more opportunities to experience this view in the evening and even at night.

The Orchard Hills trail system was closed for over a year while a new trailhead facility was being constructed. Starting earlier this month, on behalf of the City of Irvine, Irvine Ranch Conservancy staff and volunteer docents resumed leading programs in the aptly-named Orchard Hills; once again bringing interested hikers to this portion of the Irvine Open Space Preserve where protected open space and active agriculture create a unique experience.

Orchard Hills Trails Reopening for Naturalist-Led Activities

7/3/2015

Guided hikes along the two loop trails in Irvine’s Orchard Hills area begin in July.

The top of the Orchard Hills upper loop offers one of the most spectacular views available in the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. Soon visitors to this part of the City of Irvine Open Space Preserve will once again be able to enjoy the view – and the challenging climb to get there. The trails have been closed due to nearby construction, but are open for guided hikes beginning this summer.

Construction of a new trailhead facility is scheduled to be in early fall, but the over 3-mile trail system will open with a temporary staging area for interpretive and fitness programs guided on behalf of the City by Irvine Ranch Conservancy staff and volunteer naturalists.

Take a Morning Nature Hike in Orchard Hills

1/31/2014

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Nature hikes are the perfect way to connect with nature and refresh your spirit.

A walk in nature can give you the small dose of wilderness needed to refresh your spirit. Nature hikes are a great way to soothe the mind, and walking can help to increase your ability to focus and concentrate.

Whether you see nature walks as a time for introspection or a chance to learn about wildlife, make the most of your stroll in wilderness. Listen closely to birds and insects. Look for a tree, flower, or rock that stands out to you. Bring a camera and take photos to share with friends and family, as well as a basic field guide to help identify animals and plants.

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Avocado Trees and Views of the OC

7/1/2013

Recharge your batteries with a refreshing mid week hike through Orchard Hills and Loma Ridge.

Want to start your Fourth of July holiday early? Celebrate by experiencing the freedom of local wilderness during a hike in Orchard Hills. On Wednesday, July 3, the Irvine Ranch Conservancy will lead a “Mid-Week Hike in Orchard Hills,” a challenging hike in the hills above Irvine.

The group will hike through a working avocado grove and up onto Loma Ridge, receiving spectacular views of all of Orange County during a 7- to 10-mile hike. On a clear day, it is possible to see Camp Pendleton, Catalina and San Clemente Islands, the Palos Verdes Peninsula, and even the Hollywood sign in Los Angeles (bring your binoculars).

New Hike Explores the New Moon in Orchard Hills

11/30/2012

Listen for nighttime critters during “Sounds of the Night.”

The lunar phase called “new moon” is when the moon is between the earth and the sun, obscuring the moon's reflected light. The new moon is significant to many religions and cultures, signifying a new month or even a new beginning. Taking a cue from the new moon, the City of Irvine and Irvine Ranch Conservancy are offering a new hike that takes place in the total darkness produced by this lunar phase.

“Sounds of the Night in Orchard Hills” is the opposite of the full moon hikes – rather than your eyes adjusting to the brightness of the full moon, the new moon casts no light. The hike will move slowly, wandering through Orchard Hills in Irvine. Although there are some ups and downs walking through the hills, it is not strenuous, and it will be an easy to moderate hike for most.

Spring Brings a Bounty of Blooms

4/6/2012

The hills are painted with the colors of spring, and a variety of upcoming wildflower walks will make sure you won’t miss a single bloom. Spring brings native beauty to the Irvine Ranch, from the state flower, California poppy, to the whimsically-named bush monkey flower.

Whether it’s a wildflower walk or any other activity out on the landmarks, bring your camera and maybe a wildflower field guide in pursuit of the lupine, Parry’s phacelia, common fiddleneck, wishbone bush, blue-eyed grass, and chia in bloom now. The landmarks also have a large showing of yellow deerweed blooms and pink bush mallow flowers, as these are known as “fire followers,” which are more active in the years immediately following wildfires.