Category: Safety

Take Trail Traffic in Stride

3/25/2016

Trail etiquette says bikers yield to hikers, and bikers and hikers yield to equestrians.

Following trail etiquette helps everyone enjoy the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks.

Warmer weather, green hillsides and blooming flowers make spring a popular season to visit the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. Most trails within the Landmarks are multi-use trails – shared by hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians – and sharing the trails is everyone’s responsibility. With Spring Break in full swing for many, the potential for more people out on the trails means it’s even more important to practice responsible trail etiquette.

Protecting Trails During Wet Weather

12/18/2015

Hiking too soon after heavy rain can cause long-lasting damage to trails.

Minimizing rain damage to trails keeps native plants and wildlife thriving.

The hints of winter weather are finally here! Orange County was happy to see some much-needed rain this past weekend, with some areas of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks reportedly getting as much as 0.28 inches of rainfall in one night.

While the skies have dried for now, more is likely coming. The El Niño weather pattern is expected to hit Orange County in 2016, and is forecast to be one of the strongest on record. The expected rain is a welcome change for flora and fauna, but California’s recent drought has left many trail surfaces so dry that even those constructed to direct runoff into surrounding habitat could be overwhelmed by an abundance of rain. Landowners and managers are prepared to evaluate potential storm damage and reduce long-term effects, but you too can minimize rain damage by understanding wet trail conditions and abiding by closures to the trail system.

Handling Spring Trail Traffic

3/13/2015

Whether on foot, peddling on a bike, or mounted on horseback, following trail rules helps everyone enjoy the Landmarks.

Spring is a great time to hit the trails in the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. While you explore the canyons and ridges of these open spaces and nature preserves, please keep in mind that most trails within the Landmarks are multi-use trails – they are shared by hikers and bikers, and many are shared with equestrians as well. Knowing proper trail etiquette and courtesies is a good way to ensure trail safety and enjoyment for everyone.

Avoiding Damage to Wet Trails

1/2/2015

Southern California is expected to see increased rain this winter, which will have a dramatic effect on local trails. While the flora and fauna need the rain, California’s record drought has left trail surfaces too dry to handle an abundance of rainfall. Even trails constructed to direct runoff into surrounding habitat will be overwhelmed by sudden rain after such a dry spell.

Landowners and managers are at the ready, prepared to evaluate potential storm damage and reduce long-term effects. However, trail users can help make sure rain damage is minimized by understanding wet trail conditions and abiding by closures to the trail system.

To Bring Your Dog or Not to Bring Your Dog

12/5/2014

Learn where you can and cannot bring your furry friends, and why.

Dogs are often called “man’s best friend,” and many of us have canine companions who have wiggled their way into our hearts and lives, but when looking for a chance to hit the trails with your dog, it is important to remember where dogs are allowed, or not, within the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks, and important to understand why.

It is a common question: “Where can I go hiking with my dog?” Dogs are not permitted in nature preserve or wilderness areas that are managed for the benefit of local wildlife. However, there are plenty of park trails where dogs are allowed (on leashes, of course), including the Quail Hill Loop Trail in the City of Irvine.

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Take Trail Traffic in Stride

Protecting Trails During Wet Weather

Handling Spring Trail Traffic

Avoiding Damage to Wet Trails

To Bring Your Dog or Not to Bring Your Dog

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