​The 4th of July is right around the corner! With most celebrations taking place at home this year, we want to remind you to take proper safety precautions to prevent potential wildfire danger.
 
Fireworks are a popular activity during the 4th of July holiday, but can also create dangerous fire hazards, not only among the Landmarks and surrounding habitats, but to homes, people, pets and more. Human-caused wildfires are one of the most common types of wildfires and even the smallest firework can be a threat to local wildlands. For example, a simple Sparkler can exceed temperatures up to 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, which is hot enough to melt metal and can quickly ignite nearby brush. All fireworks, including “safe and sane” fireworks, are prohibited in County parks.

**PLEASE NOTE: Policies and guidelines may have changed since this blog was posted.**

Safety has always been a top priority for most people when they spend time in nature. However, because of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, we all need to rethink how we approach our time outdoors to make sure we keep ourselves and our fellow nature lovers safe. Before you head out on your next adventure, we encourage you to keep the following added measures in mind.

First and foremost, if you feel sick, you should stay home and seek medical advice from your doctor. Following the latest CDC advice and using the CDC coronavirus self-checker tool can help you decide if it’s safe for you to venture outdoors. If you are able to head outside, it is important to check and make sure that the trail or park you wish to visit is open before you go. During these uncertain times, parks and trails can be closed on short notice for a variety of reasons, so it is good to know their status before you make the effort to travel to your destination. Check LetsGoOutside.org for the status of City of Irvine-owned trails, and be sure to check the OC Parks website before heading out to any OC Parks trails or facilities. You should also check to make sure your pack has all the essentials you will need for your trip, including water. We encourage everyone to add the following items to their pack to limit the potential transmission of infectious diseases:

​Winter weather has made its way to Orange County, bringing heavy rainfall throughout the region. Rain helps the flora and fauna on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks thrive. It can also create unsafe trail conditions and other potential safety issues. In anticipation of wet weather, Irvine Ranch Conservancy and its landowning partners, OC Parks, City of Irvine and the City of Newport Beach, are working diligently to evaluate potential storm damage and reduce long-term effects to the local trail system. Irvine Ranch Conservancy urges visitors to do their part to help minimize rain damage by understanding wet trail conditions and abiding by closures to the trail system to help maintain the health of local habitats.
 
During the cool winter months, trails require downtime to dry out after rainfall, which could close trails for a few days following a storm. While many trails might appear dry at the trailhead, there are likely to be sections of the trail that collect moisture and remain muddy. It is important that visitors stay off the trails during this time and allow for the dirt to dry out completely, to ensure the longevity for public use and public safety. Ignoring closures could result in dangerous situations for nature enthusiasts, as well as park rangers and first responders.

​As the fall season approaches and cooler temperatures set in, the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks are the perfect destination for nature lovers. In Southern California, the seasonal change also brings increased risk of wildfire throughout the region, including the 40,000 acres of open space that make up Irvine Ranch.
 
With the lack of rainfall over the summer months, much of the open space vegetation has become extremely dry and susceptible to fire. Dry and hot Santa Ana winds during the fall months contribute to increased wildfire risk. Wildfires pose a serious threat in Orange County, making it essential for residents to help prevent wildfires from starting and stay prepared in case a wildfire occurs in their area.

​Irvine Ranch Conservancy Encourages Visitors to Always Be Prepared During Outdoor Adventures
 
The Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks are the perfect place for an outdoor adventure! Even though this beautiful, natural habitat is right in your backyard, it’s important to be prepared for time spent outdoors. With the proper first aid tools and knowledge, you’ll be prepared for a safe trip through the Landmarks, no matter which activity you partake in. Whether you plan to take a self-guided tour along a sunny trail or ride your bike through the peaceful Orange County canyons, Irvine Ranch Conservancy encourages visitors to have a safe and enjoyable time exploring the Landmarks.
 
One of the most basic wilderness first aid skills is to be prepared. An important step to help protect yourself and your group when out on the Natural Landmarks is to pack an outdoor first aid kit. An adequate first aid kit can help you effectively tend to unexpected injuries, illnesses, or emergencies that might occur while in the wilderness. Whether you buy a premade kit or make one yourself, first aid kits should be packed according to the type and length of the activity or expedition.

​From open space to regional parks, the extensive trail network across the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks allows the public to get out and experience the beauty of nature. Irvine Ranch Conservancy, on behalf of OC Parks, City of Irvine, and the City of Newport Beach, work diligently to maintain the Landmarks through restoration projects, wildlife monitoring, trail maintenance and much more. 
 
In order to properly maintain restoration projects and protect habitat on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks, visitors should always remain on designated trails when hiking, biking or riding through the Landmarks. For nature enthusiasts, creating their own trail might seem like an adventure, but this can be harmful to the environment. Creating your own path or “shortcut,” using unmarked trails or creating switchbacks can cause erosion, damage wildlife habitat and enable illegal trespassing. It is better for our local environment, and more enjoyable, to take your time and stay on the trail.  

​The warm summer sunshine brings the perfect weather for Orange County residents to celebrate and enjoy the Fourth of July. For many locals, the holiday’s festivities would not be complete without an outdoor celebration and spectacular display of fireworks. Celebrate the Fourth of July with family and friends using the proper safety precautions to prevent potential wildfire danger.
 
Irvine Ranch Conservancy aims to protect and maintain the health and safety of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks all year round. Fourth of July fireworks are a popular activity during holiday celebrations, but can also create dangerous fire hazards, not only among the Landmarks and surrounding habitats, but to homes, people, pets and more.

​​Enjoy the fresh summer sun throughout the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks! With the summer months upon us, it’s important to be prepared while out on the trails to ensure you have the best experience possible. Prepare yourself for sun-filled activities with these safety tips to avoid any problems like dehydration, accidents and other injuries.
 
With the rising summer temperatures rolling in, it is extremely important that participants stay hydrated. If you are unsure of how much water you should pack, the general rule of thumb is each person should have 1 liter or 32 ounces of water per hour. Be sure to drink water throughout your outdoor adventure and not just when you’re thirsty. Many staging areas and trails generally do not have water available, so always be prepared with enough water before hitting the trails. 

Autumn can be a magical season for outdoor enthusiasts.  As the leaves begin to change color and the weather starts to cool, many people find that it’s the perfect time of year to get outside and explore nature.  But in Southern California, the change in season also brings an increased risk of wildfire to our open spaces.  Wildfires are a serious threat in Orange County, but we can all do our part to prevent them from starting and prepare our communities to minimize the damage.
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Most of the wildlands in Orange County go without any rainfall through the hot summer months, causing vegetation to become extremely dry and susceptible to fire.  To make matters worse, dry and hot Santa Ana winds can push down from the mountains out towards the sea, creating the perfect conditions for wildfires to spread quickly.  

Keep these safety and preparedness tips in mind while hiking on the open spaces.
 
Hiking on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks can lead to beautiful ridgetop views, sweeping vistas, and offers outdoor enthusiasts an opportunity to connect with the local lands. When enjoying the longer days of the summer season, properly preparing for a hike is vital to staying safe and helps ensure a positive experience. Take time to plan for an outdoor adventure and enjoy the beauty, fresh air and exercise that comes with hitting the trails on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks.
 
To stay safe and get the most out of your time on the lands, it’s important nature lovers prepare for the unique challenges that come with hiking, especially as temperatures rise. Hikers can start their journey off on the right foot while enjoying the sights and smells of summer with the below tips.

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

With summer in full swing, explorers are discovering the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks by foot, bike, and horseback. As visitors take advantage of the warm weather on the open spaces and nature preserves, it’s important to remember most of the trails on the Landmarks are multi-use trails and enjoyed by mountain bikers, hikers, and equestrians. Learning and practicing proper trail etiquette can help all explorers stay safe and enjoy the trails this summer and beyond.
 
Some visitors may have seen the “Yield Triangle” sign while adventuring through the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. This sign is a graphic representation of the base trail etiquette rule: bikers yield to equestrians and hikers and hikers yield to equestrians. 

National Weather Service, Orange County Fire Authority, OC Parks, and Irvine Ranch Conservancy unite for informational public event
 
Strategically hosted on Wildfire Community Preparedness Day, May 5, Irvine Ranch Conservancy and the Orange County Fire Watch program hosted the 2018 Fire Watch Symposium. During the program, symposium partners including the Orange County Fire Authority, National Weather Service, and OC Parks came together to share presentations with Fire Watch volunteers and the local community to raise awareness for wildfires and wildfire prevention.

​Tips and tricks to stay safe on the trails
 
Beautiful sites, enticing sounds, and a great work out are just a few reasons to explore the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. Lacing up your hiking boots and getting out onto the trails can help relieve stress, boost morale, and improve overall health. To ensure the best experience on the Landmarks, it’s important to know how to choose the hike that’s right for you and learn the dos and don’ts of hiking to stay safe in the outdoors.
 
Before signing up for an activity and getting out on the Landmarks, it’s important to read and understand the activity description and difficulty rating. Distance, pace, elevation gain, and trail surface are key factors considered when determining the difficulty rating. Each activity includes a difficulty rating between 1-5 to ensure participants are mentally and physically prepared for the hike.

Stay safe under the summer sun during Wilderness Access Day at Limestone Canyon on August 5 and all season long.
 
Nature lovers can enjoy the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks during Wilderness Access Day programs throughout the year, and explore the lands by foot, bike, or saddle! Wilderness Access Days are free with required preregistration and give visitors the opportunity to travel through designated trails during self-guided access.

​The upcoming Wilderness Access Day at Limestone Canyon kicks off at 8 a.m. on Saturday, August 5 and welcomes outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy mild walks or strenuous cardio hikes at your own pace. With summer in full swing it’s important to keep heat safety in mind, and we’ve rounded up tips on spotting heat exhaustion and staying safe under the summer sun. Check out the tips below and register for a program on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks today!

Winter often brings needed rain and more greenery to the open space, but it’s important to minimize wet weather damage on the trails to keep native plants and wildlife thriving.
 
Winter is officially here in Orange County, and the past few weeks have brought some much-needed rain to the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. Wet weather is a welcome change that helps flora and fauna on the Landmarks thrive, but it can also pose a challenge for trails. Landowners including OC Parks, the City of Irvine, and the City of Newport Beach work hard to evaluate potential storm damage to trails and keep trails fun and sustainable, but understanding how to minimize trail damage from a visitor’s perspective is vital to keeping the open space enjoyable and accessible when the sun is back out.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

Tips to keep you safe this summer while out on the trail.

Following simple trail safety tips can help keep you prepared during the summer and avoid problems such as dehydration, accidents and injury. Proper preparation is the key to enjoying your activity in the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. 

Dehydration is a major concern for outdoor activities, especially in summer. Drinking water before, during and after your activity is the best way to stay hydrated. Most people are not aware that thirst can be an early sign of dehydration, so drink before you’re thirsty. Water is generally not available at the staging areas or along the trails, so it’s important to bring your own. A good rule of thumb to follow is to bring 1 liter, or 32 ounces, of water for each hour, per person.  

Exploring local wilderness trails early in the morning means that not only will you beat the heat, but you might spot some local wildlife before they head deeper into the canyon. On September 7, the bimonthly Wilderness Access Day in Black Star Canyon begins at 7 a.m., just when animals such as mule deer, rabbits and a variety of birds are starting to stir.  

Wilderness Access Days are held monthly in Limestone Canyon and Black Star Canyon for self-guided hiking, biking and equestrian use. The location switches between the two sites each month, offering visitors the chance to explore much of the OC Parks Irvine Ranch Open Space each month. This month, visitors to the Baker Staging Area used for the Wilderness Access Day will see major improvements in progress, including preparations for a 48-foot shade sail, restroom enclosures and an improved interpretive area.