
Native plants form the foundation of our local ecosystems, and restoration projects work to bolster this foundation by ensuring these plants have the conditions and support necessary to succeed and sustain themselves. The Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks are home to a large variety of unique and rare native plant communities including coastal sage scrub, chaparral, oak woodland and riparian habitats. Irvine Ranch Conservancy, along with its land partners OC Parks, City of Irvine and the City of Newport Beach, work to protect and enhance the important plant species found in Orange County through restoration work on the Landmarks.
From restoration work and harvesting seeds to guiding activities, Irvine Ranch Conservancy’s team of dedicated volunteers are an integral part of helping to protect and restore the Landmarks and our native plant populations. Over 500 active volunteers have given more than 500,000 hours of their time to helping Conservancy staff and we are so thankful for their time and dedication to our native wildlands.
Get a glimpse at native plants on the Landmarks with seven-day access trails open daily from dawn to dusk. A variety of trails in City of Irvine’s Bommer Canyon and the City of Newport Beach’s Buck Gully Reserve provide opportunities to experience different native plant communities. You can also learn more about native plants from the comfort of your own home by tuning in to California Native Plant Society’s Native Plant Week celebration online, which will include daily virtual tours of native gardens.
For more information about Irvine Ranch Conservancy and restoration efforts on the Landmarks visit IRConservancy.org. To learn more about native plants found on the Landmarks, follow Irvine Ranch Conservancy on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.