Rain is essential for plants and wildlife. This week’s wet weather is welcomed across the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks, as the much-needed rain provides a natural water source for native plants and animals. In order to keep local wildlife thriving on the Landmarks, it is important to minimize wet weather damage on the trails by staying off paths until they dry out.
Irvine Ranch Conservancy, along with its land partners OC Parks, City of Irvine, and the City of Newport Beach, work hard to keep native habitats thriving on the Landmarks and maintain trails in order to keep them enjoyable and sustainable for visitors. Understanding how to avoid causing damage to a wet trail is vital in keeping the open space accessible for nature lovers.
Irvine Ranch Conservancy, along with its land partners OC Parks, City of Irvine, and the City of Newport Beach, work hard to keep native habitats thriving on the Landmarks and maintain trails in order to keep them enjoyable and sustainable for visitors. Understanding how to avoid causing damage to a wet trail is vital in keeping the open space accessible for nature lovers.
Wet conditions can lead to trail damage. After rainfall, trails throughout the Landmarks will often be temporarily closed for recreational use. Hiking and mountain biking too soon after rain can cause long-lasting damage to trails, making closures after rain a necessity. During the cool winter months, trails will take time to dry out. Even though a trail may look dry at the trailhead, there still could be muddy sections farther in that still need time to dry. Visitors are asked to follow directions and lookout for signs at park entrances noting trail closures.
Staying off wet trails is also in the best interest and safety of hikers and bikers. Ignoring closures could result in injury or dangerous situations for visitors, as well as park rangers and first responders.
Wet trails are assessed by landowners and trained trail personnel to evaluate the path’s ability to handle traffic and are reopened as soon as the area is deemed safe. Just remember that the rain is beneficial for the land and giving trails time to dry out will help the long-term health of the trail system, native plants and local wildlife.
For more information about trail conditions on the Landmarks, visit the Alerts Page on OCParks.com for updates. The Alerts Page provides the most up-to-date information about trail conditions from park rangers as they close and open trails. More information about the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks can be found at LetsGoOutside.org.
Staying off wet trails is also in the best interest and safety of hikers and bikers. Ignoring closures could result in injury or dangerous situations for visitors, as well as park rangers and first responders.
Wet trails are assessed by landowners and trained trail personnel to evaluate the path’s ability to handle traffic and are reopened as soon as the area is deemed safe. Just remember that the rain is beneficial for the land and giving trails time to dry out will help the long-term health of the trail system, native plants and local wildlife.
For more information about trail conditions on the Landmarks, visit the Alerts Page on OCParks.com for updates. The Alerts Page provides the most up-to-date information about trail conditions from park rangers as they close and open trails. More information about the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks can be found at LetsGoOutside.org.
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