Buck Gully Reserve, Newport Beach Irvine Ranch Conservancy invites the community to discover the seven wonders of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks that span The Sinks, Loma Ridge, Red Rocks, Three Sisters Rock, The Native Seed Farm, Buck Gully Reserve, and the Back Bay. The seven wonders are found in OC Parks, the City of Irvine, and the City of Newport Beach, and nature lovers have a chance to win a canvas of their favorite wonder by participating in a social media contest.
“We’re thrilled to be celebrating the seven wonders of the Landmarks,” commented Dave Raetz, Deputy Director of Irvine Ranch Conservancy. “We’re encouraging nature lovers to explore the wonders by registering for a program on the open spaces, and to follow the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks on social media for a chance to win a beautiful canvas of their favorite wonder.”
“We’re thrilled to be celebrating the seven wonders of the Landmarks,” commented Dave Raetz, Deputy Director of Irvine Ranch Conservancy. “We’re encouraging nature lovers to explore the wonders by registering for a program on the open spaces, and to follow the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks on social media for a chance to win a beautiful canvas of their favorite wonder.”
Outdoor adventurers can vote for their favorite wonder by following the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks on social media and voting on the Landmarks’ Facebook and Instagram pages November 24 – December 1. One winner will be chosen at random and receive a canvas portrait of their favorite wonder on the lands.
The geological formation known as The Sinks in OC Parks’ Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve is an iconic formation that’s often referred to as “Orange County’s mini-Grand Canyon.” Nature lovers can hike approximately nine miles through the oak woodlands of Limestone Canyon to reach viewing decks and experience the expansive views and native species of The Sinks.
The geological formation known as The Sinks in OC Parks’ Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve is an iconic formation that’s often referred to as “Orange County’s mini-Grand Canyon.” Nature lovers can hike approximately nine miles through the oak woodlands of Limestone Canyon to reach viewing decks and experience the expansive views and native species of The Sinks.
The Sinks in Limestone Canyon
Another wonder of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks is Loma Ridge. This expansive ridgeline runs through OC Parks’ Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve and grants visitors sweeping views of urbanization on the west side, and views of the Cleveland National Forest on the east side. Whether hikers visit this picturesque site during the daytime or evening hours, the panoramic vistas are an incredible part of the Landmarks.
Loma Ridge at sunset
Red Rocks are striking geological wonders found in OC Parks’ Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park. The sedimentary rocks were formed approximately 20-40 million years ago during the Cenozoic Era, when the world climate was changing from humid to arid and dry. Over time the oxidation of the sediment, the gradual uplift of the Santa Ana Mountains, and erosion gave Red Rocks the famous red color and jagged appearance that visitors enjoy today.
Red Rocks in Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park
Three Sisters Rock, found in the City of Irvine’s Open Space Preserve, is one of the most recognizable rock formations in Shady Canyon. This sandstone formation has been eroded into three nearly identical rocks and sits in the heart of the canyon at the intersection of Shady Oaks, Butterfly Valley and Monkey Flower Mesa trails.
Three Sisters in Bommer Canyon
The Native Seed Farm plays a vital role on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. Located on 14 acres of land in a picturesque valley in the City of Irvine, the Seed Farm is home to native species from throughout the Landmarks. Shrubs, trees and wildflowers are planted by volunteers, then harvested for seeds, and then planted at habitat restoration sites and nurseries on the land. This self-sustaining process allows the native species on the Landmarks to thrive and gives nature lovers a chance to roll up their sleeves and give back to the lands.
Irvine Ranch Conservancy Native Seed Farm
Visitors can enjoy a view of the Pacific Ocean at the Buck Gully Reserve, a canyon in the City of Newport Beach. Open daily from dawn to dusk and during scheduled docent-led programs, this natural wonder sits in between urbanized areas and features abundant plant life and a stream that runs through the gully year-round.
Buck Gully Reserve, Newport Beach
Further down the Newport coastline lies the estuary, Upper Newport Bay. Often referred to as the “Back Bay,” this coastal treasure offers multiple trails and houses numerous mammals, fish, and native plants that rely on this unique habitat to survive. During the winter months, up to 30,000 migrating birds can be spotted at the Back Bay making this popular destination an ideal location for outdoor enthusiasts and birders.
Upper Newport Bay at sunset
Irvine Ranch Conservancy encourages the community to get outside and visit each of the Seven Wonders throughout the year. All activities are free with required pre-registration, which closes at 4 p.m. the day prior to each event. The Landmarks are also home to many trails that are open for self-guided access daily. For more details on fitness programs on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks click the programs below or visit LetsGoOutside.org/activities.
- Mid-Week Hike: Agua Chinon and The Sinks on Wednesday, November 29 from 8 a.m. – 11 p.m. invites trail blazers to hike 12 miles to The Sinks and other popular destinations in Limestone Canyon like Box Springs, Loma Ridge, and more.
- After Work Fitness Hike on Paved Hicks Haul Road on Monday, November 27 from 6 – 7:30 p.m. is a weekly fitness-focused program held every Monday night that allows visitors to hike up to the top of Loma Ridge and enjoy wonderful views of Orange County.
- It’s Harvest Time! Collect Wildflower Seeds at the Native Seed Farm on Saturday, December 2 from 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. encourages volunteers to get out on the lands to harvest native seeds to repair the local habitat.
- The Natural History of Black Star Canyon on Sunday, December 17 from 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. invites the public to enjoy views of the Santa Ana Mountain and Baker Canyon during this 3.5 mile hike.
- California Holly and Other Winter Flora of Buck Gully on Friday, December 15 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. will explore the holly and other neighboring flora thriving in Buck Gully during the cooler, wetter wintertime.
- Second Sunday Restoration Program on Sunday, December 10 from 9 – 11 a.m. invites volunteers to enhance the Back Bay’s habitat for local wildlife by removing invasive plants, cleaning up trash, planting native plants, and more
- Wilderness Access Day: Bommer Canyon on Saturday, December 16 welcomes nature lovers to explore Bommer and Shady Canyons, and make the trek to Three Sisters Rock.
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