
With the holiday season in full swing, shoppers continue to look for the perfect gift for their loved ones. During the season’s festivities, the company of family and friends can be the best gift, and nature enthusiasts can spend quality time in the great outdoors while lending a helping hand to the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. Give the gift of restoration this year and help preserve the Landmarks for future generations to enjoy by registering for a stewardship program.
Volunteers can choose to give back by visiting the Native Seed Farm during scheduled programs throughout the year. During these programs, volunteers can harvest native seeds from plants like the California Buckwheat and Sagebrush to help re-grow animal habitat. Harvesting these native seeds will have a direct impact on the local wildlife by providing them with food and shelter.
Follow the Landmarks’ Facebook and Instagram pages for more birds’-eye-views of the open spaces volunteers help restore. Nature enthusiasts can catch a virtual glimpse of Landmarks and see the lands that greatly benefit from stewardship programs. The gift of restoration does more than help the lands, it nourishes our local natural resources so outdoor enthusiasts of all ages can enjoy them for years to come.
No experience is necessary for stewardship programs on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks, and all tools are provided. It’s important to wear appropriate clothing and footwear, and remember to bring sunscreen, water and light snack. Click the programs below for more information and to register for a stewardship activity.
- Acorn Planting to Restore Oak Woodlands in OC Parks’ Upper Weir Canyon on Tuesday, December 19 is an important stewardship program that will work to restore the oak woodlands impacted by wood-boring beetles and the recent Canyon 2 Fire.
- Pulling Together at Quail Hill on Thursday, December 21 invites volunteers to help remove invasive weeds like artichoke thistle from the Quail Hill loop in the City of Irvine.
- Restoring Habitat in Bommer Canyon in the City of Irvine on Wednesday, December 27 will help improve the local habitat so birds and other wildlife can thrive. All training and tools included.
- Native Plant Nursery at Quail Hill on Sunday, January 1 will enhance the native habitat by planting seedlings to return to the surrounding lands.
- Native Plant Nursery at Augustine Staging Area on Sunday, January 11 is a unique opportunity to help plant coastal scrub plant species in OC Parks’ Limestone Canyon.
- The Native Seed Farm on the Irvine Open Space Preserve offers a calendar full of opportunities to roll up your sleeves and give back to nature.
All stewardship programs are free with required pre-registration. No experience is required, and all training and tools are provided by highly trained Conservancy staff and volunteers. All minors are required to be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian. Age restrictions can vary by activity and more information about each program can be found by clicking the titles above. For more details, visit LetsGoOutside.org/activities.