Overwhelmingly approved by 85 percent of Irvine voters 25 years ago, the Open Space Initiative ensured the permanent preservation of large areas of land throughout Irvine for wildlife habitat and recreation. Approximately 9,000 acres of natural wilderness within the City and its sphere of influence will be forever protected. The City invites the public to celebrate the 25th Open Space Initiative Anniversary during the June 15 Wilderness Access Day in Bommer Canyon. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., trails through this natural canyon will be open for hiking and biking. Information on the history of open space in Irvine will be available, along with free reusable water bottles provided by the Irvine Company.
Irvine’s Open Space Initiative remains one of the most ambitious open space and community development planning programs put before voters of any California city. Through the agreement, as master-planned development in designated areas of Irvine proceeds, the City receives ownership of corresponding areas of open space.
Significant resources like Bommer Canyon, Lomas de Santiago Hills and San Joaquin Marsh will be set aside and enjoyed for generations to come. When completely built out, the City of Irvine will contain more than 16,000 acres of open space, parks and trails—an area greater than one-third of the entire City.
To make sure that the open space legacy endures forever, the City has partnered with the non-profit Irvine Ranch Conservancy since 2005 to manage the preserve lands and provide continued protection of this spectacular natural resource.
“Our partnership with the City of Irvine is one of our most important relationships,” says Irvine Ranch Conservancy Executive Director Michael O’Connell. “Irvine’s strong commitment to its natural open space, and our ability to bring preservation and community participation to the land, will ensure that these extraordinary places remain healthy and accessible for generations.”
The open space land is managed primarily as a habitat for wildlife, while including opportunities for sustainable and compatible recreation such as hiking, mountain biking, and trail running. The community participates directly in that effort through volunteer activities led by the Conservancy on behalf of the City.
Over the past 7 years, this partnership has resulted in many new trails, new areas for exploration, improved trailheads, and an ever-increasing number of naturalist-led activities. Most of the recreation programs on the preserve are led by volunteer community members.
For more information please visit www.LetsGoOutside.org.
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Significant resources like Bommer Canyon, Lomas de Santiago Hills and San Joaquin Marsh will be set aside and enjoyed for generations to come. When completely built out, the City of Irvine will contain more than 16,000 acres of open space, parks and trails—an area greater than one-third of the entire City.
To make sure that the open space legacy endures forever, the City has partnered with the non-profit Irvine Ranch Conservancy since 2005 to manage the preserve lands and provide continued protection of this spectacular natural resource.
“Our partnership with the City of Irvine is one of our most important relationships,” says Irvine Ranch Conservancy Executive Director Michael O’Connell. “Irvine’s strong commitment to its natural open space, and our ability to bring preservation and community participation to the land, will ensure that these extraordinary places remain healthy and accessible for generations.”
The open space land is managed primarily as a habitat for wildlife, while including opportunities for sustainable and compatible recreation such as hiking, mountain biking, and trail running. The community participates directly in that effort through volunteer activities led by the Conservancy on behalf of the City.
Over the past 7 years, this partnership has resulted in many new trails, new areas for exploration, improved trailheads, and an ever-increasing number of naturalist-led activities. Most of the recreation programs on the preserve are led by volunteer community members.
For more information please visit www.LetsGoOutside.org.
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