
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.”
Volunteers inspired to give back to the land can register for stewardship programs all year long.
- It’s Harvest Time! Collect Wildflower Seeds at the Native Seed Farm on Wednesday, September 26 from 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. encourages visitors eight years and older to learn more about native plants while helping harvest seeds from wildflowers, such as Yellow Pincushion and California Wishbone Bush.
- Bommer Canyon Habitat Restoration on Tuesday, October 9 from 8 – 11 a.m. invites volunteers to roll up their sleeves in the City of Irvine’s Bommer Canyon while learning about habitat restoration and improving the ecosystem.
- Give Back and Enjoy the Beauty: Dripping Springs on Thursday, October 18 from 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. encourages volunteers to give back to the land in OC Parks’ Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve. Nature lovers will ride to Dripping Springs on a safari-like vehicle to water and add native plants to the area.
Most programs on the Landmarks are free with required pre-registration, which closes 4 p.m. the day prior to each activity. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian, and nursery programs are suited for nature lovers age 8 and older. For more information on self-guided trails or to register for a program on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks in celebration of National Public Lands Day and beyond visit www.LetsGoOutside.org.