Category: Wilderness Access Day

Things to Do During Wilderness Access Day in Black Star Canyon

2/27/2020

A picturesque route in Black Star Canyon

Now that the weather is starting to warm up and signs of spring are sprouting across the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks, nature enthusiasts interested in exploring the Landmarks should look no further than Silverado - home to Black Star Canyon. An easy gateway to the backcountry of the Cleveland National Forest and the northern Santa Ana Mountains, Black Star Canyon has a combination of fascinating local history, geological formations, and a variety of native flora and fauna.

With Black Star Canyon’s inland location, winter and spring are ideal seasons to explore the area and all it has to offer, while wildflowers are in bloom and before temperatures get too hot. Nature lovers are invited to explore Black Star Canyon and Baker Canyon during the upcoming Wilderness Access Day on Saturday, March 7 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Here are four great reasons to explore Black Star Canyon during Wilderness Access Day:

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

1/26/2018

The 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

Experience the Natural Habitat of the City of Irvine

1/5/2018

Hikers enjoy Bommer Canyon in the City of Irvine.

Explore the open spaces in the City of Irvine during programs on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks

Located in central Orange County, the City of Irvine is a thriving metropolis where thousands of people work, study, and live. However, just miles away from the hustle and bustle of city life are expansive open spaces and protected nature preserves. From Bommer Canyon to the riparian community of Agua Chinon to paved Hicks Haul Road, the City of Irvine offers the community an array of parks, preserves, and programs on Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks.

Kick-start 2018 on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks

12/28/2017

Explore the great outdoors for fresh air & exercise in the New Year.

The New Year inspires people across the county and beyond to set goals to improve their quality of life. Every January people are often inspired to get healthy, spend more quality time with family and friends, and give back to the community. If there’s a resolution on your list that involves more time spent outdoors, there are many opportunities to get outside and enhance your lifestyle on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. Visit www.LetsGoOutside.org or read below to browse an array of programs and activities to jump start New Year’s resolutions for a brighter 2018.

Choose Your Own Adventure During Wilderness Access Days

12/8/2017

A mountain biker enjoys Bommer Canyon.

Explore the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks during Wilderness Access Days to enjoy self-guided access on the lands

Whether visitors are newcomers looking to discover the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks for the first time or returning to the lands for a new adventure, Wilderness Access Days give visitors of all skill levels and interests the chance to get outside and connect with nature. Keep reading for more information on Wilderness Access Days and to register for the next program!

Wilderness Access Days give the community self-guided access through the open spaces on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. Hikers, bikers, and equestrians have an opportunity to explore trails within the City of Irvine’s Bommer Canyon, and OC Parks’ Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve and Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park.

Rise and Shine on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks

11/3/2017

Hikers enjoy an early morning stroll on Hicks Haul Road in Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve.

Don't let Daylight Savings Time keep you indoors, explore the lands during morning programs for fresh air and exercise on the Landmarks

The clocks turn back on Sunday, November 5, but there's still plenty of time to explore the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks! The Landmarks are home to many self-guided trails and activities across the open spaces, and with the end of daylight savings time comes earlier mornings that give trail enthusiasts more time to start their day in the great outdoors. Rise and shine on the Landmarks this fall and throughout the year by registering for a morning program.

“The Landmarks are home to many morning fitness, recreational, and interpretive programs that allow the community to start their day with fresh air, sweeping views, and exercise” commented Dave Raetz, Irvine Ranch Conservancy Deputy Director. “Whether visitors are looking to kick off their day with an invigorating 8-mile hike through Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve or ease into the day with a morning of Tai Chi in Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park, there’s a wide variety of programs to suit all ages and interests on the Landmarks.”

Discover the History of Bommer Canyon and Explore the lands on Wilderness Access Day June 17

6/9/2017

Bommer Canyon is rich with history, and nature lovers can explore the historic open space during Wilderness Access Day and beyond.

Bommer Canyon is part of more than 4,000 acres located on the southern portion of the Irvine Open Space Preserve, stretching across sycamore groves and rough rock outcrops. The majestic lands have a history steeped in ranching and agriculture, and outdoor enthusiasts can explore the trails during the upcoming Wilderness Access Day on Saturday, June 17. Hikers age 8 and older can also register for Exploring Bommer: Life on the Ranch, a guided interpretive program on the same day. Discover the history of Bommer Canyon and explore the land for a day of fresh air and adventure on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks!

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.

Interpretive Programs Connect People with Nature

2/12/2016

Interpretive programs give visitors to the Landmarks a chance to learn about wildlife like this burrowing owl.

Trained naturalists help interpret the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks for the public in unique, memorable ways.

Spring is quickly approaching, making it the perfect time for those seeking greater appreciation of the outdoors to – as the saying goes – stop and smell the roses. But regardless if wildflowers are in bloom, interpretive programs on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks provide year-round opportunities for visitors to slow down and connect to the land in unique, memorable ways.

Programs on LetsGoOutside.org are broken up into categories – such as interpretive, hiking & fitness, and stewardship – to help visitors find what they’re looking for when visiting the Landmarks. Interpretive programs focus on helping people enjoy their time outdoors while also learning about nature. So if you’ve learned something new about the Landmarks while out on the trails that leaves you feeling more connected to the land, guess what – you’ve just had an interpretive experience! The National Association for Interpretation defines interpretation as “a mission-based communication process that forges emotional and intellectual connections between the interests of the audience and the meanings inherent in the resource.”

Giving Newcomers to Nature Education and Exploration

1/1/2016

New programs provide visitors with some extra guidance at Wilderness Access Days.

Wilderness Access Days have always been a great way for beginners to connect with Orange County’s only National Natural Landmark, allowing folks to independently explore nature while knowing that highly trained volunteers were on hand throughout the trail system to help along the way. Now, newcomers to nature looking for even more expert guidance can get the most out of their time on the trails through new guided walks available at every Wilderness Access Day.

Conservancy Celebrates 10 Years of Stewardship

11/13/2015

Irvine Ranch Conservancy invites visitors to a special Wilderness Access Day on Nov. 21 in Bommer Canyon to recognize its partners.

Irvine Ranch Conservancy, a pioneering non-profit managing more than 30,000 acres of open space parks in Orange County, is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Over the last decade, the organization has partnered with public agencies such as OC Parks, City of Irvine and City of Newport Beach to connect people to globally-significant local wildlands.

“We started out with one trail and eight volunteers, and today we manage more than 150 miles of trails and support more than 800 volunteers who help provide nearly 2,000 public activities each year,” said Michael O’Connell, the Conservancy’s founding and current Executive Director. “With that capacity, our ability to offer opportunities for the community to connect to and help take care of these public natural resources has grown exponentially.”

New Nature Garden in Bommer Canyon

10/1/2015

Garden offers opportunity for up-close learning about native plants.

Bommer Canyon is one of the most popular sites in the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. Visitors wander along the trails on foot and bicycle, enjoying the natural habitat. Many people want to know more about the plants and animals that live in this canyon, and the new Bommer Nature Garden will help visitors get up-close to the flora, fauna and history of this natural area.

In 1867, Bommer Canyon served as the hub of James Irvine’s cattle operations. More than a century later the cattle operations ceased, and then in the early 1980s the City of Irvine purchased the property to create an open space preserve. Today, remnants of the cattle operations infrastructure dot the hills, embedded in the natural space to remind visitors of the site’s history.

Celebrate National Wilderness Month in Black Star Canyon

8/28/2015

September is National Wilderness Month, marking the anniversary of the 1964 Wilderness Act. This act of Congress created the National Wilderness Preservation System, and recognized wilderness as “an area where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain.”

The Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks provide a wilderness experience right here in Orange County. You can visit unique and protected wildlands just minutes from anywhere in the county. In fact, the OC Parks system includes more than 20,000 continuous acres of open space that is permanently protected and preserved. Most of this land is preserved for wildlife habitat, with docent-led recreation activities. While there are guided hikes and other programs scheduled almost daily, some say the best way to enjoy the local canyons is during the monthly Wilderness Access Days.

Family Hike: Explore Bommer Together

6/12/2015

A docent-led hike during Wilderness Access Day teaches parents the fundamentals of family hiking.

Hiking with kids can sometimes be a challenge. Making decisions about where to take them, how far to hike, what to bring and how to keep them interested and engaged along the trail can be tricky. A docent-led activity during the upcoming Wilderness Access Day in Bommer Canyon is designed to engage young minds while teaching adults important tips for successful family hiking.

Families are invited to register for the Exploring Bommer: All About Kids Family Hike, which will take place during Wilderness Access Day in Bommer Canyon on Saturday, June 20. The short 1.5-mile interpretive hike in the City of Irvine Open Space Preserve will take about 2 hours (out-and-back, 1 hour each direction) and is specifically designed for families with kids ages 3-6, although all ages are welcome.

Hitting the Trails in Summer

6/5/2015

Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks locations offer a variety of outdoor activities for adventurous families.

Sunday, June 21, is the official start of summer. As schools begin to let out, and as kids look for ways to fill their days, you can help steer them away from the television remote or video game controller and toward some healthy outdoor adventures. While there are plenty of scheduled, docent-led activities for families, it may not always be easy to plan ahead. For busy families, there are also plenty of fun destinations open daily within the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks that can help create lasting family memories.

Hiking in a Winter Wonderland

12/12/2014

Winter is a great time to gather loved ones together for family-friendly hikes in the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks.

In much of the country, this is the time of year for cozying up around fireplaces with family and friends to escape the harsh climate outside. But before you bust out the hot chocolate and the 2000-piece puzzle, remember that in Orange County, winter is a great time to hit the trails.

Now is the time when native plants in the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks that have been dormant over the hot summer and fall months start to come to life. In spirit with the holidays, this is a great time to see the Toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia) shrub, also known as “Christmas berry,” that produces bunches of bright red berries in the winter months that resemble Christmas holly.

July is National Park and Recreation Month

6/27/2014

Enjoy our local open space parks with a variety of activities.

Celebrate Park and Recreation Month in July by visiting Orange County’s only National Natural Landmark. On Saturday, July 12, OC Parks will host a special Wilderness Access Day in Black Star Canyon to help promote Park and Recreation Month and encourage more people to connect to nature and the outdoors.

A recent nationwide survey released by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) found that three in 10 U.S. adults do not spend time outside on a daily basis. Of those who do spend daily time outside, almost half – 47 percent – spend less than 30 minutes in the fresh air.

Hit the Trails Early to Beat the Heat

8/30/2013

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.

National Trails Day Comes to Orange County

5/25/2013

Celebrate the outdoors with events throughout the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks.

Celebrate National Trails Day in a National Natural Landmark, right here in Orange County. On Saturday, June 1, the 21st annual celebration will include local activities throughout the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks.

The largest local event will be at Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve, where OC Parks and Irvine Ranch Conservancy will host a Wilderness Access Day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visitors can enjoy self-guided hiking, biking and horseback riding through majestic Limestone Canyon. The preserve is home to The Sinks, an expansive geological formation, and Conservancy volunteers will be on hand throughout the trail system to help guide visitors.

City of Irvine Hosts Earth Day in Bommer Canyon

4/10/2013

Free event includes hiking, bird watching and other earth-friendly ways to enjoy open space.

Every year, people around the world celebrate their connections to the environment on Earth Day. The City of Irvine and the Irvine Ranch Conservancy invite the public to celebrate Earth Day at Bommer Canyon, exploring the connections between urban life and the open spaces that are so close to home.

The event will be held in conjunction with the monthly Wilderness Access Day on Saturday, April 20, beginning at 9 a.m. Community partners will provide information on native plants, local wildlife, outdoor adventures, and the City’s environmental initiatives until 1 p.m. at Bommer Canyon Cattle Camp. Residents are invited to continue exploring all Bommer Canyon trails until 3 p.m.

New Kids Activities and Hikes at OC Parks Wilderness Access Days

2/22/2013

Enjoy self-guided access to protected open space, or choose from docent-led hikes and kid-friendly nature activities.

Wilderness Access Days have gained a reputation as “DIY” open space experiences, with the support of friendly volunteers to help you along. However, for those not ready or too young to go it alone, OC Parks is introducing docent-led hikes and kids’ activities during their monthly Wilderness Access Days.

These events are held monthly, switching each month between Limestone Canyon and Black Star Canyon. On Saturday, March 2, the Wilderness Access Day is in Black Star Canyon, beginning at the Baker Canyon Staging Area. These unique outdoor adventures begin with check-in at the staging area, where friendly volunteers from Irvine Ranch Conservancy are on hand to help guide visitors to the right trails for their interest, experience and time available. Volunteers are also stationed out on the trails, to provide assistance along the way.

New Year Brings New Opportunities to Explore the Canyons

12/28/2012

Monthly Wilderness Access Days offer self-guided exploration in Black Star and Limestone canyons.

The new year will bring new opportunities to discover the natural beauty of the local canyons. With monthly self-guided access days in addition to docent-led beginner programs and a new foot bridge, exploring local open space has never been easier.

OC Parks has partnered with Irvine Ranch Conservancy to expand popular monthly Wilderness Access Days to Black Star and Baker Canyons. The Wilderness Access Days were held monthly in Limestone Canyon, and beginning January 5, the Wilderness Access Days will rotate monthly between Black Star and Limestone canyon staging areas. New trails in Baker Canyon were opened in October 2012, and in January a new bridge over Baker Creek will connect the staging area directly to the new SilMod Loop trail.

Stepping into Nature with a Safety Net

11/26/2012

Wilderness Access Days offer exploration opportunities with expert help.

Orange County's only National Natural Landmark is in the heart of Orange County, conveniently located for the more than 3 million county residents. Yet for some city dwellers, the issue is not distance -- it's the perception that wilderness may be a little too “wild.”

For folks who are yearning to take a walk on the wild side but don't know where to start, there are Wilderness Access Days. The nearly 40,000 acres across the center of Orange County known as Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks are mostly protected spaces, so not all of the properties have daily, self-guided access. Many docent-led programs are offered by OC Parks, City of Irvine and City of Newport Beach, but for those who want to learn how to explore on their own, Wilderness Access Days offer the ability to step into nature with a safety net.

First Official Black Star Wilderness Access Day is October 20

10/12/2012

Bimonthly event will provide hiking, biking and equestrian access to unique local wilderness areas in Black Star and Baker canyons.

As rich in history as it is in beauty, the Black Star Canyon area is full of discoveries waiting to be made. On Saturday, October 20, visitors will have the chance to explore both Black Star and Baker canyons during the first official Black Star Wilderness Access Day.

Wilderness Access Days are held regularly in Limestone Canyon and Bommer Canyon, and now the Black Star Canyon wilderness area in Silverado will be open bimonthly for self-guided hiking, biking and equestrian use. Two new trails were recently opened in the area, and were introduced to the public during the OC Parks Wilderness Celebration event in July.

Restoring Native Habitats in a National Natural Landmark

8/31/2012

New educational hike travels along restoration sites and covers native plant basics.

Restoring native habitats and leading public activities in the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks are two objectives of the Irvine Ranch Conservancy. Now a new hike combines recreation and restoration in one rewarding trek through Limestone Canyon.

On Saturday, September 8, Wildland Manager and Certified Interpretive Guide Henry DiRocco will lead "Habitat Restoration on the Irvine Ranch," a new activity hosted by Irvine Ranch Conservancy. The 6-mile hike begins with an overview of native plants and invasive weeds found in the area, and includes habitat restoration sites on Loma Ridge and Bee Flat Canyon. Those participating in this challenging, hilly hike will gain an understanding of restoration goals for these habitats while hiking through natural hills and canyons.