F​amilies, fitness enthusiasts, and dog lovers can all experience this unique trail daily, from dawn to dusk
                       
The 2.8 acre Quail Hill Trailhead opened to the public in June of 2007 and is conveniently located near the 405 freeway on Shady Canyon Drive. Despite the trail’s close proximity to the freeway, the loop is removed enough to provide a peaceful outdoor experience for bikers, hikers, and your four-legged friends. The Landmarks feature many special places unlike anywhere else and among them, the Quail Hill Preserve is a distinctive and ideal location for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels. Quail Hill hosts stewardship activities and docent-led hikes monthly and is open for self-guided access daily, from dawn to dusk.
 
Unlike other wilderness trails within the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks, Quail Hill is the only trail open to dogs, as long as they are on a leash and stay on the trail. Quail Hill also hosts the first trailside cell phone audio tour in Orange County where you can dial in for free to hear natural resource interpreters and researchers explain important features along the trail. The audio tour can be enjoyed while on the trail or from anywhere with a phone or any other portable device. Visit www.letsgooutside.org/quail-hill for more information on how to dial in to listen to the tour.

​Visit the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks and start the New Year Outdoors
 
January represents a fresh start as a new year arrives, and can be a time to re-set and focus on goals to achieve in the New Year. While half the country is greeted with cold temperatures and snow in the winter months, Southern California residents have an opportunity to get outside in the sunshine and start the New Year off on the right foot. Grab a pair of hiking boots and enjoy favorable temperatures and fresh air on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. Hikers and bikers can take advantage of the warm weather and hit the trails daily for self-guided access on several of Orange County’s vast open spaces and preserves. 

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.

​Hit the trails and connect with nature on Thursday, March 30 in recognition of National Take A Walk in the Park Day.
 
“In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.” – John Muir
 
Looking for a reason to enjoy the great outdoors? National Take a Walk in the Park Day on Thursday, March 30 is the perfect catalyst to enjoy fresh air and exercise on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. The Mediterranean climate that occurs on the Landmarks in Southern California is found in only five locations across the globe, but contains nearly 20 percent of the world’s known plant species. With a vibrant wildflower season in bloom, there’s never been a better time to visit the lands. Register for a program or explore designated trails for self-guided access in celebration of National Take a Walk in the Park Day. 

Embrace Screen-Free Week and explore the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks.
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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.