Oak seedlings at the Augustine staging area nursery Earlier this year, Irvine Ranch Conservancy embarked on a new restoration project in OC Parks’ Limestone Canyon with a goal to rehabilitate oak woodland habitats in the area. IRC staff and volunteers, as well as members of the public, planted locally-sourced acorns from oak trees throughout the area in the Augustine Nursery that would grow into seedlings in time for planting in the winter.
“Before the pandemic, volunteers planted approximately 480 Coast live oak acorns and helped water the seedlings,” said Irvine Ranch Conservancy Project Coordinator Matilde De Santiago. “Since the pandemic hit, all watering and care of the acorn seedlings has been done by IRC staff. The care includes watering, weeding, and removing pests from the seedlings to ensure their health and survival for the winter plantings.”
“Before the pandemic, volunteers planted approximately 480 Coast live oak acorns and helped water the seedlings,” said Irvine Ranch Conservancy Project Coordinator Matilde De Santiago. “Since the pandemic hit, all watering and care of the acorn seedlings has been done by IRC staff. The care includes watering, weeding, and removing pests from the seedlings to ensure their health and survival for the winter plantings.”
About 200 seedlings from the Augustine Nursery are currently on track to be planted in the winter - some as early as December. Irvine Ranch Conservancy staff and volunteers are currently preparing to plant the seedlings in a meadow adjacent to Limestone Canyon road and Agua Chinon Canyon. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, seedling planting has been limited to IRC staff and volunteers. Once it is safe to resume public activities, Irvine Ranch Conservancy looks forward to welcoming members of the local community to help these oak seedlings continue to thrive.
“The plan is to have IRC volunteers assist in the plantings along the Limestone Canyon road meadow, and having volunteers and members of the public involved in the maintenance and care, thereafter, for years to come until the trees become well established,” said De Santiago.
Oak woodlands are an important part of the local habitats found on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. Not only will these new oak trees enhance the beauty of the landscape, but they will also provide a crucial source of food and shelter for native wildlife in Limestone Canyon.
To learn more about Irvine Ranch Conservancy and restoration work on the Landmarks, visit irconservancy.org.
“The plan is to have IRC volunteers assist in the plantings along the Limestone Canyon road meadow, and having volunteers and members of the public involved in the maintenance and care, thereafter, for years to come until the trees become well established,” said De Santiago.
Oak woodlands are an important part of the local habitats found on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. Not only will these new oak trees enhance the beauty of the landscape, but they will also provide a crucial source of food and shelter for native wildlife in Limestone Canyon.
To learn more about Irvine Ranch Conservancy and restoration work on the Landmarks, visit irconservancy.org.
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