Category: Round Canyon

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.

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.

Understanding Radical Reptiles and Awesome Amphibians

6/19/2015

Upcoming activity teaches pre-teens all about herpetology critters and careers.

Your kids’ interest in lizards, frogs and snakes today may turn into a career in the future. Encourage their outdoor inclinations with an activity that helps pre-teens answer the question “What do I want to be when I grow up?”

“J.O.Y. for Nature: Radical Reptiles” is an interactive outdoor class designed to help young participants consider a career as a herpetologist. From the Greek word “herpien,” meaning “to creep,” herpetology is the branch of zoology concerned with the study of reptiles and amphibians. This activity is part of an ongoing series targeted toward pre-teens, and those who participate will learn about what it takes to turn herpetology into a career.

Winter Bird Migration in the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks

1/2/2015

Winter is a great time to see a variety of birds as they return to Southern California for nesting season.

Did you know that hundreds of bird species are migrating to and through Orange County throughout the year, and that the winter migration period is an especially good time to see a variety of birds in the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks as they make their way south along the Pacific Flyway Migration that spans the west coast of the Americas?

These regular seasonal movements of bird populations, known as migrations, are in response to changing weather as well as availability of food and nesting locations. Most bird species travel south in the winter in search of more temperate climates.

Nature's Workhorses, the Pollinators

9/5/2014

Bees, birds and butterflies take care of the heavy lifting of pollinating local plants.

There is always activity on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks with busy bees buzzing, tireless hummingbirds zigzagging, and graceful butterflies fluttering. These critters are performing a valuable and critical service for native plants and animals. They are carrying pollen from one plant to another as they search for nectar. Without them, wildlife would have fewer nutritious berries and seeds and wildflowers would vanish. OC Parks and Irvine Ranch Conservancy are offering a hike with a trained naturalist to learn about these native pollinators.

The activity, Popular Pollinators, will be in Round Canyon, home to an abundant number of native plants and trees. The presence of these plants and trees, such as the western sycamore and coast live oak, offer a perfect home for native hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees.

Catch a Spring Sunset This Week

5/9/2014

Free programs in the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks take advantage of cool evenings.

Longer days and milder weather are an invitation to get outside in the evening, perhaps to take in a spring sunset. From easy family walks to challenging fitness hikes,www.LetsGoOutside.org is your source for a variety of convenient evening programs in the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks.

Free evening programs this week include fitness hikes in OC Parks’ Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve on the paved Hicks Haul Road. These hikes are offered on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings, with the Thursday hike at a slower pace, perfect for beginners. A Friday evening hike will also be available this Friday in the same area along Hicks Haul Road. Sunset yoga and a full moon hike are both on Wednesday at Bommer Canyon in the City of Irvine.

Interpreting the Word “Interpretive” in Recreation

1/3/2014

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Interpretive programs help visitors discover nature in a variety of ways.

Do you enjoy discovering the detail of nature, like identifying birds by their calls or learning about native plants? You’ve probably noticed that these programs are labeled as “Interpretive” on the LetsGoOutside.org website. Participating in one of these activities is a great way to enjoy the natural beauty of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks while learning something new, and understanding what that word means in the context of outdoor activities will help you select and enjoy outdoor activities.

Interpretive activities are generally easier, shorter, and slower-paced than other programs, with multiple stops for discussions. These programs are often family-friendly, but not all interpretive programs are for all ages. “Interpretive programs focus heavily on a specific topic, explained at different levels,” says Kelley Reetz, an Interpretive Specialist at Irvine Ranch Conservancy. “Certain topics may be too intense to discuss with little ones, such as endangered species or fire ecology, or there might be different levels of detail given in a kids’ program about animals than in an adult-targeted wildlife program.”

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Shady, Kid-Friendly Hike is Perfect for Summer

6/21/2013

Explore Round Canyon during an easy nature walk with your family.

No need for the kids – or you – to be bored this summer, with plenty of opportunities to get outside during docent-led activities in the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. On Thursday, June 27, a nature walk in Round Canyon can serve as the perfect way to get your kids excited about exploring outdoors.

Round Canyon is part of OC Parks’ Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve, and the Round Canyon trail is a wide, flat path that is easily accessible. Thursday’s walk is called “Nature Hike in Round Canyon,” and the free activity is open to ages 6 and over. The hike will be led by a trained naturalist from Irvine Ranch Conservancy, so even beginning hikers can participate with confidence.

Become a Birder This Summer

7/31/2012

Early morning hikes bring people closer to birds' native habitats.

If you’ve ever wondered which bird was circling above your head, whose call was coming from the brush, or what feather was lying on the trail, a series of summer birding programs will bring you up to speed on local birds.

Long time bird enthusiast and Irvine Ranch Conservancy docent Mike Clayton will share his expertise with hikers this summer by leading birding expeditions through Limestone Canyon and Round Canyon. Participants will listen and look for the birds found all around, from the ground to the sky. The series of easy hikes is free, and while participants are encouraged to bring their own bird guides and binoculars, extras of each will be available.

Cool Outdoor Activities for Cool Spring Evenings

3/23/2012

Enjoy local open space and great weather with free programs in the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks.

It’s officially spring, and the later daylight hours combined with mild weather are an invitation to get outside in the evening. To help you take your workout outside, www.LetsGoOutside.org is your source for a variety of convenient day and evening programs in the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks.

From easy family walks to challenging fitness hikes, it’s easy to find an activity that will let you enjoy the outdoors while taking in a spring sunset. The last week of March alone offers a different activity nearly every evening, and is indicative of the many activities offered every week by the Conservancy and its partners.