Irvine Ranch Conservancy
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Celebrate Groundhog Day with Restoration Activities on the Landmarks

1/30/2020

 
PictureYoung volunteers helping at the Native Seed Farm
​As February 2nd approaches, people across the U.S. await the season’s forecast from Punxsutawney Phil to see if we will experience six more weeks of winter or an early spring. Starting in the 1880s, Groundhog Day has become an annual winter tradition complete with a full ceremony in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania.
 
While those living in colder climates might pay more attention to the tradition, residents of Orange County don’t have to worry too much about Phil’s prediction. The brisk cool temperatures and sunny skies make for easy winters in Orange County and an ideal time to help restore and protect native habitats. The wet winter months across the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks can bring much needed rainfall that leads to lush greenery throughout the open spaces.


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Celebrate National Public Lands Day on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks

9/20/2019

 
PictureIRC Land Steward Training in Limestone Canyon
​Join Irvine Ranch Conservancy in celebrating the beauty of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks during National Public Lands Day on September 28. Spend the day giving back to the local environment and learn about the direct impact volunteering can have on our natural surroundings.
 
Held on the fourth Saturday in September, National Public Lands Day is the largest single-day volunteer effort for America’s public lands. This day brings a unique opportunity for the community to connect with nature through service. Irvine Ranch Conservancy welcomes nature lovers throughout Orange County to participate in a variety of stewardship opportunities to connect with the expansive Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks and its partners and volunteers through LetsGoOutside.org.


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Celebrate World Nature Conservation Day with Irvine Ranch Conservancy

7/25/2019

 
PictureVolunteer planters
Observed each year on July 28, World Nature Conservation Day recognizes that a healthy environment is the foundation for a stable, productive society, and strives to increase awareness of protecting natural resources around the globe. Irvine Ranch Conservancy, along with OC Parks, the City of Irvine and the City of Newport Beach, is dedicated to protecting, restoring and enhancing the natural resources found here in Orange County.
 
The historic Irvine Ranch consists of 40,000 acres of open space that has been designated both a State and National Natural Landmark. Home to hundreds of native plants and animal species, the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks are a model of how urban wilderness can be protected and managed through a network of public and private partnerships.


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Celebrate National Trails Day on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks

5/22/2019

 
PictureOne of the many beautiful trails on the Landmarks
​Help Irvine Ranch Conservancy celebrate National Trails Day on Saturday, June 1! Occurring annually on the first Saturday in June, National Trails Day was created by the American Hiking Society to encourage outdoor enthusiasts to pledge to improve trails around the world. The pledge can involve anything from collecting trash along trails to partaking in stewardship activities to support the health and beauty of trailside habitat. Celebrate National Trails Day by taking in the breath-taking views and lush landscape on local trails throughout the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks.
 
Irvine Ranch Conservancy has collaborated with local landowners, partner organizations and volunteers to develop stewardship programs that provide an array of options for the public to take part in improving the quality of the trails while enjoying the outdoors. From the Second Sundays Restoration Program offered every month at Upper Newport Bay to Collecting Wildflower Seeds at the Native Seed Farm, there are numerous opportunities to volunteer on the Landmarks.


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Irvine Ranch Conservancy’s Inaugural BioBlitz Celebrated Biodiversity on the Landmarks

5/9/2019

 
PictureBioBlitz participants record local flora and fauna
Irvine Ranch Conservancy is dedicated to offering an array of programs and activities that enable the local community to experience the diverse species that can be found throughout the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. One of those programs being the launch of a citizen science event, BioBlitz. The Conservancy proudly hosted this inaugural family-friendly  event on Sunday, April 28, 2019 near the Library of Canyons, located in Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park.
 
A BioBlitz focuses on observing and identifying various species in a specific area over a short period of time to provide a “snapshot” of species diversity. This citizen science event also develops baseline data for the Conservancy and local community that can be used to observe change over time.


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Landmarks Focus: Oak Restoration in Weir Canyon

4/4/2019

 
PicturePlanting Oak trees in Weir Canyon
OC Parks Weir Canyon Nature Preserve contains an abundance of rare habitats and wildlife, including one of the largest intact coast live oak woodlands in Orange County, making it one of the most ecologically important areas on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks.  This area is admired year-round by hikers, bikers, and nature enthusiasts alike.  But this sanctuary is also under threat. 
​
The Gold Spotted Oak Borer Beetle, or GSOB for short, is an invasive tree pest that has been documented within Weir Canyon.  Native to southeastern Arizona, it is thought that the beetle first traveled to southern California through infested firewood.  This tiny beetle disrupts and depletes the ability of trees to take up nutrients by laying its eggs on the bark of the trees. The larvae then burrow beneath the bark to feed, and eventually kill the tree.


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Groundhog Day on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks

1/30/2019

 
PictureHikers in Orchard Hills
​Irvine Ranch Conservancy offers activities you’ll want to do over and over again
                       
Every year on February 2, we look forward to Punxsutawney Phil making his weather prediction for the next six weeks. While this may not be the most accurate weather prediction, it’s all in good fun! Luckily, in Orange County, we don’t have to worry too much about Phil’s yearly prediction. With favorable weather all year long, there’s no reason to hibernate during the winter.
 
Irvine Ranch Conservancy is here to help with an extensive list of activities that allow you to explore the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks and will leave you coming back for more. Unfortunately, you won’t see any groundhogs out on the Landmarks, but there are plenty of other native species to look out for. Through LetsGoOutside.org, you can discover a wide range of weekly and monthly activities that allow you to workout, learn something new, give back, and spend time with family and friends. The possibilities are endless!​


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Looking Back at 2018

1/3/2019

 
PictureAn oak seedling in Bee Flat Canyon
Restoration efforts on the Landmarks to create highly functional and resilient ecosystems
 
Nearly 40,000 acres of land preserved on the historic Irvine Ranch have been designated as a Natural Landmark.  This land contains important natural habitats, sensitive species, such as the California Gnatcatcher and Coastal Cactus Wren, and unusual geological formations. It is home to countless plants and animals as well as rocks and fossils, chronicling back nearly 80 million years.
​
However, many natural areas in our modern world need management to keep them wild and beautiful. In southern California in particular, threats such as increased fire frequency, invasive species, overuse, and a large surrounding urban population have all impacted our Natural Landmarks. As a result, over 18,000 acres of land are considered highly degraded and in need of restoration.


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Celebrate International Volunteer Day December 5

11/28/2018

 
PictureCastor bean removal in Agua Chinon
Join stewardship efforts on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks during December in honor of International Volunteer Day
 
Irvine Ranch Conservancy is celebrating the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks and its stewardship programs during the month of December, in honor of International Volunteer Day – traditionally held on December 5. Nature lovers are invited to join the celebration by registering for stewardship programs that offer an opportunity to give back to the environment while connecting with the local lands.
 
This international day of volunteer recognition and action was founded by the United Nations, and the Conservancy encourages everyone to participate by volunteering during the month of December and beyond. The Landmarks span nearly 40,000 acres of open spaces, with many reoccurring stewardship opportunities that invite the community to become ambassadors of the lands. Getting involved as a volunteer is as easy as participating in a hike, volunteering on the Native Seed Farm, pulling an invasive weed, or helping out with trail maintenance.


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Celebrate Veterans Day Weekend on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks

11/1/2018

 
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​Spend time with friends and family enjoying the local lands in honor of our Vets
 
From the sprawling vistas of Loma Ridge to the beauty of Black Star Canyon and beyond, the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks offer nature lovers an opportunity to explore the open spaces. Consider gathering friends and family for a day of fresh air and exercise by registering for a program or enjoying self-guided trails on the Landmarks in honor of Veterans Day.
 
“We’re incredibly appreciative of our vets and their service to our country. Veterans Day weekend is a great opportunity to celebrate their service with loved ones and explore what the Landmarks have to offer,” commented Dave Raetz, Irvine Ranch Conservancy Deputy Director.  


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Choose Your Own Adventure on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks

10/3/2018

 
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​Register for Wilderness Access Day programs and enjoy self-guided trails
 
Calling all hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians! Visitors of all ages and interests can discover hiking trails and spot native plants and wildlife during Wilderness Access Day programs. Hosted on different open spaces across the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks, Wilderness Access Days welcome families, hikers, bikers, and equestrians with their own horse to enjoy the great outdoors. Trekkers can choose their own adventure monthly during Wilderness Access Days or daily on self-guided hiking trails while exploring their natural surroundings.
 
During Wilderness Access Days, trails vary in distance and level of difficulty with choices ranging from an easy stroll in the shade to strenuous 15-mile cardio hikes. While exploring the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks, remember to practice trail etiquette - bikers yield to hikers and bikers and hikers yield to equestrians. Whether traveling by foot, hooves, or wheels, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy trails on the Landmarks across OC Parks’ Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve, the City of Irvine’s Bommer Canyon, and OC Parks’ Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park.


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Celebrate National Public Lands Day on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks

9/19/2018

 
PictureVolunteers at the Native Seed Farm
​Register for stewardship programs including the “Restoration and Resilience” activity at the Native Seed Farm
 
Nature lovers can give back to the environment and learn how volunteering can have a direct impact on their natural surroundings during National Public Lands Day on September 22 and beyond.  Traditionally held on the fourth Saturday of September, this year’s National Public Lands Day theme is “Restoration and Resilience.” Visitors can celebrate this nature-inspired holiday by registering for a special program at the Native Seed Farm and signing up for stewardship activities throughout the year.
 
“Innovative and ambitious restoration projects are happening across the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks,” said Dave Raetz, Irvine Ranch Conservancy Deputy Director. “There is no better way to connect to the State and National Landmarks in Orange County’s backyard than through stewardship programs. In 2017 alone, our volunteers contributed approximately 44,000 hours of their time to restoring the open spaces. National Public Lands Day is a great opportunity for the community to learn more about how they can positively impact local plant and wildlife on the Landmarks all year long.”


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Give Back to Nature During National Planting Day and Beyond

9/6/2018

 
PictureHarvesting native seed
​Join a stewardship program on the Native Seed Farm and Native Plant Nursery
 
National Planting Day is quickly approaching! This nature-inspired holiday encourages the public to come together to help rebuild the community’s local ecosystem and enhance its biodiversity. To celebrate National Planting Day on Saturday, September 8th, nature lovers can join stewardship programs at the Native Seed Farm and Native Plant Nursery in Irvine. Volunteers will contribute to restoring Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks while connecting with their natural surroundings.  


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Give Back to the Land

8/30/2018

 
Picture
Connect with the land through stewardship programs offered on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks
​

​From hiking and mountain biking to horseback riding and habitat restoration, the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks offer visitors of all ages and interests the opportunity to connect with the wildlands in various ways. Nature lovers can discover the beauty of the Landmarks through outdoor volunteer activities and stewardship programs, offered regularly throughout the Landmarks.  Stewardship programs allow the community to become an ambassador of the land, while helping restore natural habitat and replenishing native species on the open spaces.

  • Those looking to roll up their sleeves can join Irvine Ranch Conservancy staff during the Waterworks Trail Restoration: Fremont Canyon program on Tuesday, September 4 from 9 – 11 a.m. During this stewardship activity, volunteers will help maintain the land along the Waterworks Trail in OC Parks’ Fremont Canyon Nature Preserve. This valuable work includes the removal of invasive weeds which helps to restore habitat for local wildlife.  Volunteers may even be treated to a peaceful 2-mile nature walk through the canyon, if time permits. 


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Landmarks Focus: What is Stewardship

6/28/2018

 
PictureVolunteers help at the Native Seed Farm
The Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks are home to hundreds of native species of plants and animals, both common and rare. In fact, scientists have identified this region as one of the world’s biodiversity “hot spots”, meaning this is one of the few areas in the world with such a high concentration of different species. Made up primarily of Chaparral and Coastal Sage Scrub ecosystems, the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks are symbolic of what Southern California looked like before large populations of people moved in. It is no secret that the growth of urban areas surrounding the lands have reduced the available habitat for native plants and animals, but that doesn’t mean we should give up on them… that’s where stewardship comes in.


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Celebrate World Environment Day on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks

5/31/2018

 
PictureVolunteers help remove invasive plant species
Register for a stewardship activity to connect with the local lands and check out highlights from Irvine Ranch Conservancy’s Volunteer & Partner Celebration  
 
World Environment Day on Tuesday, June 5 is quickly approaching! This day marks the perfect opportunity to discover the many ways nature lovers can help take care of the environment. Whether a first-time visitor or longtime volunteer on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks, stewardship activities give outdoor enthusiasts a chance to connect with the land while benefiting the environment.  With the support of volunteers and partners, the Landmarks will continue to thrive on World Environment Day and beyond. 


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Explore Biodiversity Hotspots on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks

5/8/2018

 
PictureBuck Gully, Newport Beach
Discover the rare and celebrated natural resources of Orange County by registering for a program on the Landmarks this summer
 
The Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks are home to biological treasures and unique landscapes that stretch from the mountains to the sea. Nearly 40,000 acres of preserved and protected lands comprise the Landmarks, and include expansive open spaces known as “biodiversity hotspots.” Outdoor enthusiasts of all ages can register for a program on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks to connect with the great outdoors while enjoying some of nature’s rarest habitats. 


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Give Back to the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks in Honor of Earth Day

4/19/2018

 
Picture
Connect with the lands by joining a stewardship program on the open spaces
 
Earth Day is quickly approaching and 2018 is a special year on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. This upcoming Earth Day marks the 10th anniversary of nearly 40,000 acres of open spaces being designated as the first-ever California Natural Landmark. Nature lovers can find several opportunities to connect with the land by registering for a stewardship program in honor of Earth Day and the 10th anniversary of the state landmark designation during the month of April and throughout the year.


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Tread Lightly on the Landmarks: Balancing Public Recreation with Preservation

4/13/2018

 
PictureLong Tailed Weasel
The Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks are home to diverse natural communities and native species and welcome visitors to the lands daily. Recreational programs encourage outdoor activity and help the public build a relationship with the lands, and stewardship programs welcome volunteers to help restore the Landmarks for future generations to enjoy. Yet with human presence comes unavoidable impacts to the ​open spaces, whether recreating on the trails or restoring natural resources during stewardships.


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Enjoy Spring Break with Family on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks

3/9/2018

 
PictureAfter Work Fitness Hike on the paved Hicks Haul Road
Explore the Landmarks during springtime stewardship and fitness programs
 
Springtime in Orange County often brings warm weather with clear skies, fresh blooms, and new wildlife throughout the protected wildlands and open spaces. Families looking to spend time together and explore their natural surroundings over spring break can join stewardship and fitness activities on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. No matter what week spring break falls, there are diverse opportunities on the Landmarks to get outside, stay active, and connect with the local lands!


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Celebrate National Plant A Flower Day on the Landmarks

3/2/2018

 
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Experience stewardship programs on the open spaces in celebration of National Plant A Flower Day

​Volunteers at Irvine Ranch Conservancy’s Native Seed Farm plant native species and harvest their seeds in an effort to restore and enhance nearly 5,000 acres of native habitat throughout the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. In honor of National Plant a Flower Day on March 12, visitors can join Conservancy staff and volunteers at the Native Seed Farm Wednesday and Saturday mornings this spring from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. to plant native species and collect seeds that will enrich restoration sites throughout the Landmarks.​


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Help Native Plants and Butterflies Flourish this Spring

2/22/2018

 
PictureAn Acmon blue butterfly, which is distinctive to and common on the Landmarks, nectars on California buckwheat
Ensure butterflies thrive on the Landmarks by participating in stewardship programs
 
As we approach March and new blooms start to sprout on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks, visitors are more likely to spot one of nature’s most fascinating insects, the butterfly. Known for their metamorphosis, butterflies inspire awe and wonder among park visitors. By joining stewardship programs to help increase the native plant population, volunteers can do their part to ensure butterflies prosper on the Landmarks this spring.


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Make a Positive Impact on the Landmarks Through Invasive Plant Removal

2/8/2018

 
PictureNative flowers bloom on a hillside in Buck Gully in Newport Beach
Be a helping hand in the fight against invasive weeds by registering for a program on the open spaces
 
As the weather warms and spring approaches, Orange County residents can look forward to spotting colorful wildflowers across the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. However, not all blooms are welcome on the open spaces. Invasive non-native species prevent native plants and wildlife from thriving and decrease the biodiversity that makes the Landmarks so unique. It’s a critical time to remove invasive species that steal nutrients, space, and light from native plant life and threaten local protected wild lands. Nature lovers can join the fight against invasive species by registering for a stewardship program on the Landmarks!


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Hit the Trails and Connect with Nature During Restoration Activities on the Landmarks

2/2/2018

 
PictureVolunteers are important to the health of the trails and surrounding habitat on the Landmarks.
Register for Trail Restoration programs on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks and give back to the local lands  

The Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks consist of nearly 40,000 acres of biological and geological diverse open spaces and are home to hundreds of species of plants and wildlife. The Landmarks were designated as a Natural Landmark by both the State of California and the U.S. Department of the Interior after scientists identified the landscape as one of the world’s biodiversity “hot spots,” or an area with large concentrations of different species. Volunteers are a vital part of keeping the trails and surrounding habitat healthy for plant life, wildlife, and the enjoyment of visitors for years to come. 


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Groundhog Day on the Landmarks: Activities Visitors can Enjoy Time and Time Again

1/26/2018

 
PictureThe Landmarks may not have groundhogs, but we're always excited to see a weasel pop up for fresh air and sunshine!
Celebrated by North America and Germany, February 2 is Groundhog Day. While we don’t have groundhogs in Orange County, we still wait to see if Punxsutawney Phil casts a shadow to predict if we’ll experience 6 more weeks of winter. Some people commemorate the day with a yearly viewing of the movie Groundhog Day, where the main character experiences the same day over and over again. There are several great programs offered on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks that reoccur, giving visitors the opportunity to easily incorporate them in their weekly and monthly schedules.
 
Even if the groundhog predicts 6 more weeks of winter, Orange County experiences favorable weather all year long! Irvine Ranch Conservancy encourages visitors to get outside and experience some of the reoccurring programs offered on LetsGoOutside.org


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    Welcome to the Irvine Ranch Conservancy "News from the Field" blog. These articles are written by Conservancy staff about activities and projects in and near the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. 

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Irvine Ranch Conservancy  •  4727 Portola Pkwy. Irvine, CA 92620  •  714-508-4757  •  info@irconservancy.org

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  • Home
    • Landmarks Blog
  • What We Do
    • Programs >
      • Habitat Restoration and Enhancement
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