Habitat restoration in progress along Buck Gully Reserve trail, May 2023.
Within the 40,000 acres that make up the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks, sits a portion of natural land considered to be one of the “seven wonders” of the Landmarks, Buck Gully Reserve. This natural, coastal canyon is located within the City of Newport Beach. In partnership with the city, Irvine Ranch Conservancy (IRC) works to protect its natural beauty and maintain a healthy habitat for native plants and animals.
Buck Gully Reserve consists of 300 acres of lush wilderness that offer some of the best ocean views in Newport Beach. The canyon includes a natural stream that runs year-round, providing a sustainable water source for native plants and animals. The consistent flow of water creates the perfect conditions for a riparian habitat at the bottom of the canyon, while coastal sage scrub habitats thrive on the hillsides. This mix of habitats attracts a variety of wildlife, like egrets, coyotes, rabbits, and a host of migratory birds.
Buck Gully Reserve consists of 300 acres of lush wilderness that offer some of the best ocean views in Newport Beach. The canyon includes a natural stream that runs year-round, providing a sustainable water source for native plants and animals. The consistent flow of water creates the perfect conditions for a riparian habitat at the bottom of the canyon, while coastal sage scrub habitats thrive on the hillsides. This mix of habitats attracts a variety of wildlife, like egrets, coyotes, rabbits, and a host of migratory birds.
Featuring nearly five miles of trails, Buck Gully Reserve provides Orange County residents with year-round activities. Through the partnership with the City of Newport Beach, IRC helps maintain the trail system to help improve the experience for hikers and bikers. In 2012, they worked together to install four bridges to allow visitors to safely explore the canyon. In 2020, extensive repairs were completed to the trail system including the removal of overgrown vegetation, sustainable trail reroutes, surface erosion repairs, and more.
To help preserve the natural beauty of the area, the City of Newport Beach and IRC also partner to lead habitat restoration days where volunteers help plant native species and remove non-native plants from the area to support healthy habitats. If you would like to be part of the positive impact, join IRC for the Fourth Friday Habitat Restoration in Buck Gully on Friday, October 27 or the Third Friday Habitat Restoration in Buck Gully on Friday, November 17.
For additional activities and volunteer opportunities within Buck Gully and throughout the Landmarks, visit LetsGoOutside.org, IRConservancy.org or follow the Landmarks on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
To help preserve the natural beauty of the area, the City of Newport Beach and IRC also partner to lead habitat restoration days where volunteers help plant native species and remove non-native plants from the area to support healthy habitats. If you would like to be part of the positive impact, join IRC for the Fourth Friday Habitat Restoration in Buck Gully on Friday, October 27 or the Third Friday Habitat Restoration in Buck Gully on Friday, November 17.
For additional activities and volunteer opportunities within Buck Gully and throughout the Landmarks, visit LetsGoOutside.org, IRConservancy.org or follow the Landmarks on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
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