Buckwheat in Bommer Canyon. Explore the Flora on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks and discover rare and native species this Fall
The Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks stretch from the mountains to the sea, spanning Fremont Canyon to Crystal Cove State Park. Throughout the open spaces is an array of regional plant life, also known as flora. From the Tecate Cypress to majestic coast live oaks, the Landmarks are home to many rare and native species that provide food and shelter for the surrounding wildlife. Fall for flora on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks this season by registering for a program on the open spaces, and discover one of the world’s biodiversity “hot spots.”
The flora found on the Landmarks are an integral part of what makes the open spaces a biological wonder. In addition to native grasslands and live oak woodlands, the Landmarks house one of the largest populations of healthy coastal sage scrub. Sometimes called “soft chaparral” due to its soft, drought-deciduous leaves, this Mediterranean-type shrub is highly threatened in California and can be seen throughout the Landmarks. The Landmarks are also home to native wildflowers, including lupine, poppies, chocolate lilies, and prickly pear cactus.
The Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks stretch from the mountains to the sea, spanning Fremont Canyon to Crystal Cove State Park. Throughout the open spaces is an array of regional plant life, also known as flora. From the Tecate Cypress to majestic coast live oaks, the Landmarks are home to many rare and native species that provide food and shelter for the surrounding wildlife. Fall for flora on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks this season by registering for a program on the open spaces, and discover one of the world’s biodiversity “hot spots.”
The flora found on the Landmarks are an integral part of what makes the open spaces a biological wonder. In addition to native grasslands and live oak woodlands, the Landmarks house one of the largest populations of healthy coastal sage scrub. Sometimes called “soft chaparral” due to its soft, drought-deciduous leaves, this Mediterranean-type shrub is highly threatened in California and can be seen throughout the Landmarks. The Landmarks are also home to native wildflowers, including lupine, poppies, chocolate lilies, and prickly pear cactus.
Nature lovers have the opportunity to learn about flora on the Landmarks through a variety of interpretive and stewardship programs. On Monday, October 16 from 9 – 11 a.m. visitors are invited to head to the coast for Flora and Fauna of Buck Gully to learn about the diverse species in Buck Gully Reserve during an interpretive 2-mile walk that travels under a canopy of trees in this local riparian community. If visitors are looking to gain hands-on experience with the native flora on the Landmarks they can partake in the It’s Harvest Time! Collect Wildflower Seeds at the Native Seed Farm program on Wednesday, October 18 from 8:30 am – 12 pm to harvest seeds from native fall wildflowers and bushes like the California Buckwheat and Sagebrush.
Black Star Canyon will be open for visitors to explore on November 4 from 8 am – 2 pm for Wilderness Access Day. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy self-guided access to introductory trails for beginner hikers or more challenging and rigorous trails for more experienced hikers, bikers, and equestrians. The coyote bush is a common shrub found in Black Star Canyon and other coastal bluff and oak woodlands areas. Another plant that can be found in Black Star Canyon is the goldenbush, a native scrub that’s typically found along trails and in dry open spaces and produces bright golden yellow flowers in the beginning of the fall season.
Fall for flora on the Landmarks and register for a program on the open spaces! Most activities are free with required pre-registration, which closes at 4 p.m. the day prior to each event. Some programs are suitable for children 8 and over, and children must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian. Jogging strollers welcome on most trails. For more details on programs on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks visit www.LetsGoOutside.org/activities.
Fall for flora on the Landmarks and register for a program on the open spaces! Most activities are free with required pre-registration, which closes at 4 p.m. the day prior to each event. Some programs are suitable for children 8 and over, and children must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian. Jogging strollers welcome on most trails. For more details on programs on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks visit www.LetsGoOutside.org/activities.
RSS Feed