Category: Trail Work

Improvements Made to Buck Gully Trail System During COVID-19 Shutdown

7/9/2020

Trail improvement work in Buck Gully

During the recent COVID-19 closure, Irvine Ranch Conservancy’s Planning and Infrastructure Crew, in partnership with the City of Newport Beach, used the temporary trail closure as an opportunity to repair and enhance the Buck Gully trail system with hopes of improving the sustainability of the trail while making it more enjoyable for hikers and bikers.

Starting on May 11, the Planning and Infrastructure Crew took advantage of the clear trails to safely operate heavy equipment on the narrow trail system and accelerate improvement projects in the area. The crew was able to cut back overgrown vegetation and widen the trail for better visibility, reroute two sections of the trail adjacent to the creek making them more sustainable, repair surface erosion at the trailhead, and incorporate natural surface drains and tread re-contouring at more than 18 locations to eliminate channelization of water and bank edge erosion. Rip-rap and gravel were also incorporated into more than 1,000 lineal feet of trailhead to help armor the tread and create an all-weather sustainable surface.

Irvine Ranch Conservancy Staff Spotlight: Infrastructure & Planning Crew

4/2/2020

From left: Tomas, Carlos and Chalio, IRC's Infrastructure & Planning Crew

Ensuring the protection, restoration and enhancement of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks is a pivotal part of Irvine Ranch Conservancy’s mission. The Infrastructure & Planning Crew collaborates with land management partners OC Parks, City of Irvine, the Irvine Company, and the City of Newport Beach to implement and maintain the 40,000 acres of natural resources right here in Orange County.

The three-person Infrastructure & Planning Crew designs, creates and maintains trail systems and visitor facilities throughout the Landmarks. Carlos Carrillo, Rosalio “Chalio” Gonzalez and Tomas Gonzalez are the three IRC staff members responsible for the maintenance of more than 200 miles of natural surface roads and recreation trails, staging areas, viewing decks, fences, water lines and so much more. The crew also implements new infrastructure projects, which to date includes 29 miles of new single-track multi-use recreation trails, 20 trail bridges, two viewing deck platforms, two shade sail structures, facility enhancements at primary staging areas and more than 200 lineal feet of trail retaining walls.

Spotlight on Rabbit Run Trail Improvements

9/27/2018

Built into the Shady Canyon trail network in the City of Irvine’s Open Space Preserve, Rabbit Run trail is well known among mountain biking and hiking enthusiasts for its technical challenges and natural beauty. However, over the years erosion has taken its toll, leaving certain portions of the trail with deep ruts caused by water runoff. In some sections, these ruts were bordered by sharply slanting rocks, making the trail difficult to negotiate for both hikers and bikers.

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

4/19/2018

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.

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.

How to Volunteer on the Landmarks

10/1/2015

Irvine Ranch Conservancy Volunteer Docent Peter Ridley leads a nature walk.

Whether it’s one day at a time, or volunteering every week, there are so many ways to give back.

Did you know that volunteers lead nearly every single recreation activity on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks? Specially-trained naturalists lead and support hikes, mountain bike rides, educational nature walks, horseback rides, birding excursions and even photography journeys. From the mountains to the sea, volunteers help connect people to the land in numerous ways.

There are many ways to volunteer without any specialized advance training. You can find a list of Volunteer Activities at LetsGoOutside.org/volunteer. Filtering the LetsGoOutside.org/activities page for “Stewardship” or “Trail Work” categories will also result in volunteer opportunities happening nearly every day of the week. The site lists short-term volunteer opportunities for the general public offered by groups such as OC Parks, City of Irvine, City of Newport Beach, Irvine Ranch Conservancy and Crystal Cove State Park. You can also find these types of public volunteer events with Laguna Canyon Foundation, Newport Bay Conservancy, and the California Coastal Commission by visiting their websites.

Orchard Hills Trails Reopening for Naturalist-Led Activities

7/3/2015

Guided hikes along the two loop trails in Irvine’s Orchard Hills area begin in July.

The top of the Orchard Hills upper loop offers one of the most spectacular views available in the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. Soon visitors to this part of the City of Irvine Open Space Preserve will once again be able to enjoy the view – and the challenging climb to get there. The trails have been closed due to nearby construction, but are open for guided hikes beginning this summer.

Construction of a new trailhead facility is scheduled to be in early fall, but the over 3-mile trail system will open with a temporary staging area for interpretive and fitness programs guided on behalf of the City by Irvine Ranch Conservancy staff and volunteer naturalists.

AmeriCorps Working in the Landmarks

5/15/2015

AmeriCorps workers are providing added labor to help sustain several ongoing habitat restoration projects.

One of the biggest challenges of overseeing habitat restoration projects on a large scale across the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks is having enough manpower during especially busy seasons. Harvesting, weeding and planting are often done by hand in sensitive habitats, and this season the efforts of Irvine Ranch Conservancy staff are being bolstered by a crew from AmeriCorps.

Seven AmeriCorps volunteers have been working full time to help keep stewardship projects moving forward. These members rotate around to various restoration areas in the Landmarks and work with Conservancy staff and volunteers to remove invasive weeds, to plant native seed and seedlings, and to help with harvesting at the Native Seed Farm. The AmeriCorps team is learning about our local habitats while they contribute to these projects.

Benefits of Volunteering in the Landmarks

5/8/2015

Volunteering for stewardship and trail work activities not only helps the land, but benefits those who participate.

From the mountains to the sea, there are numerous places and ways to enjoy the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. Many people visit for recreation or education programs, but many organizations offer volunteer opportunities to help people give back to local open space areas. Whether you want to spend an afternoon helping to plant acorns or volunteer regularly to help others enjoy the land, it’s easy – and rewarding – to volunteer.

Why Excess Water in Buck Gully is Bad News for Conservation

4/3/2015

Irrigation water flowing into Buck Gully is a waste of fresh water and erodes hillsides and trails.

When you see water flowing from someone’s landscaping and down the rain gutter, it’s a sign that too much water is being used. While certainly wasteful, this excess irrigation water may seem pretty harmless to the surrounding environment. You might even suspect that neighboring wildlands benefit when runoff flows into them. More water for thirsty plants and animals, right? However, the damage it does to nearby canyons becomes clear when you hit the trails.

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.

Improved Emerald Canyon Trail Reopens

7/4/2014

Laguna Coast Wilderness Park Trail reopens after months of work by community members.

With the help of non-profit organizations, members of the public and community groups, OC Parks reopened the Emerald Canyon Trail at the end of June. The trail was closed due to extensive damage sustained after heavy rains in 2010. The trail reconstruction included constructing a 60-foot bridge over a landslide area.

The project is a partnership between OC Parks, as the land owner, and Irvine Ranch Conservancy and Laguna Canyon Foundation, as non-profit support groups focused on the protection and preservation of the open space. Working together with community groups such as SHARE Mountain Bike Club and other volunteers from the public, the challenging project made constant progress over a six-month period.

Dripping Springs Trail Update

4/25/2014

Progress is being made despite a dry planting season.

When the Dripping Springs trail was closed for restoration last year, no one could have predicted the profound lack of rainfall for the area in 2013. Despite historic drought levels, many members of the community have rallied to make progress in transforming this former ranch road in Limestone Canyon into a single-track trail.

Irvine Ranch Conservancy and OC Parks staff had expected the trail to be restored and re-opened in mid-2014, but the lack of rain may affect that projection. The Conservancy field operations team will evaluate the progress this month, but staff are still working to keep the project moving forward.

Trail Re-Opened in Bommer Canyon

4/11/2014

Trail-side habitat has been restored and paths upgraded along Bommer Pass Trail.

The Bommer Pass Trail in the City of Irvine Open Space Preserve re-opened March 28. The trail was closed in January so that the Irvine Ranch Conservancy could perform trail maintenance and habitat restoration. The Conservancy, which manages the City’s Open Space Preserve, worked with volunteers to restore habitat and improve trail drainage during the 3-month project.

The Bommer Pass Trail was opened for daily public access in 2011. Visitors use the trail to bypass the Cattle Camp events area, and to connect to the rest of the Bommer Canyon trail system. From Bommer Canyon, trails connect all the way to Crystal Cove State Park beach. During the closure, a path near Cattle Camp led visitors to the connecting trails. Informative signs along this path informed visitors of the work being done to the trail.

Restoring the Emerald Canyon Trail

1/24/2014

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Volunteers needed to help rebuild rain-damaged trail in Laguna Coast Wilderness Park.

While rain has eluded us this year, in 2010 the storms were so strong that local trails sustained heavy damage. One of those affected was Emerald Canyon Trail in Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, and now OC Parks has announced a trail restoration and construction project that will repair this popular trail.

Volunteers are needed to help complete the project, which includes trail trimming, re-routing and maintenance along with the bridge installation. The first, up-trail bridge is a 16-foot long wooden structure, while the second bridge will span a 60-foot wide, 20-foot deep gully created by the storm damage. The work will span approximately 1.75 miles of the Emerald Canyon Trail. The first volunteer opportunity is February 1.

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Volunteers Needed to Help Restore Trail in Bommer Canyon

1/10/2014

Residents are invited to help City’s land stewardship partner repair trails and restore adjacent habitat.

The popular Bommer Pass Trail in the City of Irvine Open Space Preserve will be closed starting January 13 for repair and restoration by the Irvine Ranch Conservancy, which manages the City’s Open Space Preserve. Residents are invited to help participate and work with Conservancy staff to restore habitat in Bommer Canyon.

This is the first time the trail has been closed for restoration since it was opened to daily self-guided access in 2011. Immediate work is necessary to make rapid repairs and replant habitat before the rainy season. The closure is expected to last until April 1.

Volunteers Needed for Restoration in Big Canyon

1/10/2014

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Project will include trail improvements and replacing invasive plants with natives.

Winter is the perfect time to plant the native coastal sage scrub species found in local nature preserves, and this month the City of Newport Beach seeks volunteers to help with planting in Big Canyon. The volunteer effort is part of a trail improvement project led by Irvine Ranch Conservancy, on behalf of the City.

Over about 2.5 acres, Irvine Ranch Conservancy staff will lead volunteers in planting small native plants and sowing native seeds. Volunteer work in Big Canyon will also include the removal of invasive species such as ice plant and pampas grass. These non-native plants compete for resources with native plants, which are critical to supporting healthy habitat for wildlife in Big Canyon and other preserve areas. The project will focus on trail-side improvements, and will include trail clearing and the installation of a temporary footbridge to allow for easier passage along the trail loop.

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‘Social’ Trails: A Nice Name for a Pesky Problem

1/3/2014

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Informal and unauthorized trails can damage habitat and lead to trail closures.

Trekking along in Bommer Canyon, you see a narrow path that cuts straight down through a curving switchback trail. The path is not marked, but it looks like a shortcut. While the shortest route between two points may be a straight line, that is not always what’s best for the surrounding habitat. And that little shortcut may also lead to a citation or fine.

Why is taking a shortcut such a big deal? Unmarked paths like these are known as “social” or “informal” trails, and are not legal. Landowners have obligations to various local, state and federal agencies to maintain local open space; preserving habitat while providing recreation opportunities. These agencies require landowners such as OC Parks, City of Irvine and City of Newport Beach to develop Recreation and Resource Management Plans for the open space and wilderness areas they own. These plans not only include strategies for stewardship of the land, but they also include a system of authorized trails that will be maintained by the landowner for public use.

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Volunteers Needed for Trail Work in Irvine

11/14/2013

Trail work activities benefit land and visitors across the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks.

Volunteers are needed to work with Irvine Ranch Conservancy Field Operations staff to reroute trails in the City of Irvine’s Open Space Preserve. The trail work will close unsustainable sections of trails and replace them with more sustainable paths that will better withstand weather and recreational use.

On November 17 and December 7, Irvine Ranch Conservancy staff and trail volunteers will work on sections of Shady Canyon trails in the City of Irvine Open Space Preserve, improving user experience and drainage. About 400 feet of both the Cattle Crest and Rabbit Run trails will be re-routed during these two activities. Members of the public will be trained in the use of hand tools to help shape the trail and complete path-clearing already done by heavy machinery.

Portion of Quail Trail Closed for Improvements

7/12/2013

Irvine Ranch Conservancy will improve drainage of Irvine trail.

The single-track portion of the Quail Trail in the City of Irvine Open Space Preserve will be closed temporarily for drainage improvements. The Irvine Ranch Conservancy project will create a drainage ditch to funnel water off the trail to a catch basin at the bottom of the hill, which will make the trail more sustainable.

Many of the trails within the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks were once dirt roads used by ranchers traversing the open space. As those roads were converted into trails, Irvine Ranch Conservancy found that some may have been good roads, but did not make for such good trails. In those situations, the Conservancy Field Operations team will recommend that the City either reroute or redesign portions of the trail to better resist erosion caused by regular use and heavy rain. This particular trail portion could not be rerouted, so the Conservancy will redesign it.

Converting Ranch Roads to Sustainable Trails

4/19/2013

Trails to Dripping Springs in Limestone Canyon are temporarily closed for improvements.

In the heart of Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve, an oasis of lush vegetation stands evergreen, in contrast to the surrounding arid landscape. Birds flit from leaf to leaf against a vine-covered rock face that seeps water, creating a pool below. This is Dripping Springs, and it is a haven for wildlife – one of the few fresh water sources available in the northern part of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks.

Until this year, a double-track trail created from a former ranch road passed within a quarter-mile of this sensitive habitat. Now OC Parks and Irvine Ranch Conservancy are working to convert the former road to a single-track trail. A single-track trail would improve the health of the habitat for wildlife by decreasing the amount of physical disturbance and providing more cover close to the much-used water source.

Work it: Keeping Paths Clear with Volunteer Trail Work

3/8/2013

Trail work activities benefit land and visitors across the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks.

Imagine walking with your family along a trail, enjoying the outdoors together. The path is clear, yet you feel immersed in the surrounding plant life. Then imagine telling your family how, just last week, you helped work on this trail to make sure that families like yours could enjoy it.

Trail work in the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks is a rewarding volunteer effort. Not only do you get to enjoy some time in Orange County’s only National Natural Landmark, but your work benefits the land and enhances the wilderness experience for all visitors. Irvine Ranch Conservancy hosts regular trail work volunteer programs, as part of their stewardship work for landowners such as OC Parks, City of Irvine, and City of Newport Beach.

Closing the Loop in Baker Canyon

11/26/2012

New bridge across Silverado Creek offers connection between Baker Trail and SilMod Trail.

Tackling the unique needs of trail construction and maintenance in the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks takes some ingenuity, creative thinking, and lots of heavy lifting. The most recent construction project opened on the trails is the Baker Bridge, a connection point in Black Star Canyon that weighs in at nearly 15 tons.

The bridge spans Baker Creek, allowing hikers, bikers and equestrians access to the SilMod Loop Trail without having to travel along Baker Canyon Road. This connecting path will make Black Star Canyon Wilderness Access Days more convenient for all participants, but few will think about the level of complexity involved in wilderness construction.

Social Trails Become Sustainable Trails in Upper Buck Gully

6/29/2012

Many Newport Beach residents have enjoyed the trails in Upper Buck Gully, but now the trails are a lot more user-friendly – and habitat-friendly. A recent trail renovation project made possible by the City of Newport Beach, State of California and Irvine Ranch Conservancy included the dramatic placement of four bridges by helicopter, as well as other improvements along the three-mile gully.

Four aluminum bridges, ranging in length from 35 to 50 feet, were installed in April and anchored in place. The bridges span areas that were previously traversed in ways that weren’t optimum for the traveler, or for the ecosystem. Conservationists and planners call trails like the ones forged in Buck Gully “social trails.” These trails are created by the trail users, and can create opportunities for weed invasion and erosion. Since the trails are not created by public landowners, social trails in some areas can even lead into private property, causing the user to trespass unknowingly.

Improved Buck Gully Reserve Trails Now Open

6/1/2012

Reconstructed trails are better for visitors and for the environment.

Newport Beach Mayor Nancy Gardner was joined by residents and partners to dedicate more than three miles of renovated trails in the Buck Gully Reserve. A recent trail renovation project made possible by the City of Newport Beach, State of California and Irvine Ranch Conservancy included the dramatic placement of four bridges by helicopter, as well as other improvements in the 300-acre gully.

Four aluminum bridges, ranging in length from 35 to 50 feet, were installed in April and anchored in place. The bridges span areas that were previously traversed in ways that weren’t optimum for the traveler, or for the ecosystem. Conservationists and planners call trails like the ones forged in Buck Gully “social trails.” These trails are created by the trail users, and can create opportunities for weed invasion and erosion. Since the trails are not created by public landowners, social trails in some areas can even lead into private property, causing the user to trespass unknowingly.

<<Previous

Improvements Made to Buck Gully Trail System During COVID-19 Shutdown

Irvine Ranch Conservancy Staff Spotlight: Infrastructure & Planning Crew

Spotlight on Rabbit Run Trail Improvements

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

Protecting Trails During Wet Weather

How to Volunteer on the Landmarks

Orchard Hills Trails Reopening for Naturalist-Led Activities

AmeriCorps Working in the Landmarks

Benefits of Volunteering in the Landmarks

Why Excess Water in Buck Gully is Bad News for Conservation

Avoiding Damage to Wet Trails

Improved Emerald Canyon Trail Reopens

Dripping Springs Trail Update

Trail Re-Opened in Bommer Canyon

Restoring the Emerald Canyon Trail

Volunteers Needed to Help Restore Trail in Bommer Canyon

Volunteers Needed for Restoration in Big Canyon

‘Social’ Trails: A Nice Name for a Pesky Problem

Volunteers Needed for Trail Work in Irvine

Portion of Quail Trail Closed for Improvements

Converting Ranch Roads to Sustainable Trails

Work it: Keeping Paths Clear with Volunteer Trail Work

Closing the Loop in Baker Canyon

Social Trails Become Sustainable Trails in Upper Buck Gully

Improved Buck Gully Reserve Trails Now Open

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