
Who needs a lavish meal and roses when you and your love can discover a new trail, help care for open space, or enjoy the sunset from a hilltop?
Break the traditional Valentine’s Day structure by taking advantage of the nearly 40,000 acres of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. Programs coming up next week will help you and your sweetie (or your sweet kids) celebrate.
For an early celebration, discover a new trail together in Buck Gully on Monday. During the “Flora and Fauna Hike,” you can learn about this unique trail, its plants and local wildlife from a trained naturalist, then use that knowledge to enjoy your future hikes together. Bucky Gully in Newport Beach is open daily from dawn to dusk, so it’s ready for discovery anytime.
Showing a little love for open space is also a popular activity, and this Thursday will be no different. Irvine Ranch Conservancy scientists are looking for public volunteers to help remove invasive weeds on Loma Ridge at 8:30 a.m., with no prior experience needed and plenty of panoramic views to enjoy.
For a more traditional outdoor experience, you and your loved one – or loved ones – can join the “Slower-Paced Fitness Hike” Thursday at 6 pm. You’ll get a workout together while you watch the sunset over Orange County.
The Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks are Orange County's only National Natural Landmark, and the Conservancy manages the protected open space and wilderness areas for landowners such as OC Parks, City of Irvine and City of Newport Beach. Programs led by the Conservancy are free, but require registration by 4 p.m. the day prior to the activity. Visit www.LetsGoOutside.org/activities for details on the programs mentioned, a list of upcoming programs, and to register.